July 10th, 2025.



 On Saturday the 19th of July, the life and legacy of Claire Sumners (known lovingly as @zerowastemaman) will be celebrated with the official unveiling of a memorial on Seaford Beach, followed by a community beach clean and party in her honour.

Claire passed away in March 2022, International Womens’ Day, following a short and brave battle with cancer. She was a passionate environmental activist, community connector and inspiring voice in the zero waste movement. Her vibrant energy, tireless advocacy and deep love for the planet touched countless lives, both locally and online.

Claire supported Seaford Town Council in their efforts to achieve ‘Plastic Free Community’ status, which was given in 2020. With the support of her husband she worked tirelessly as a volunteer supporting many local businesses, councils and schools helping them adopt better approaches to their plastic consumption. Mother of two, Claire explained, “I care about the planet my children live on and will inherit.”

The memorial has been made possible through the generosity of grant donors and community supporters, many of whom will be in attendance on the day. 

Event Details

Location: East of Frankie’s Café, Seaford Beach, Seaford, East Sussex

Date: Saturday 19 July 2025

Schedule: 2.00pm. Memorial unveiling and a toast for family, close friends, grant donors and press. 2:30pm Beach clean with brand audit for Surfers Against Sewage’s People vs Plastic environmental campaign

Dress Code: Wear pink – Claire’s favourite colour – in her memory


All are welcome to attend - from friends, old and new, to inspired followers. Claire believed in community, kindness and action. This day will reflect exactly that.


About Claire Sumners (@zerowastemaman):
Claire Sumners was a leading voice in the zero waste movement. Through education, activism and community engagement, she inspired sustainable change and encouraged others to live with less waste and more purpose. Her influence continues through those she empowered to care more deeply about the planet and each other.

Claire was an absolute force, her passion for reducing plastics in the community, cleaning the beaches and educating the next generation about climate change and marine environments was infectious. She proudly held the title of regional representative for Surfers Against Sewage and was instrumental in gaining Seaford the Plastic Free Community status.

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