So much seems to be changing at the moment but one thing that is still challenging Plymouth is the sheer amount of waste plastic being produced.
For the last four years Environment Plymouth, the city’s green network, has been fronting the Plastic Free Plymouth campaign and working with Surfers Against Sewage to encourage people to take action on the problem.
Plastic remains a huge threat to the environment. From the microplastics shed by clothes in washing machines to discarded fishing nets, it is already creating pollution that is difficult to tackle.
Some steps have already been taken in the UK to ban the worst, small scale offenders, including plastic straws, and there are Government plans for more bans later this year; including the worst take-away containers and the sachets for sauces that everyone struggles with. Through the Interreg funded, Preventing Plastic Pollution project Environment Plymouth is now working with Plymouth City Council and 18 other partners to limit the worst of it. So far over 300 businesses and individuals have taken part in the call to action and associated workshops and awareness sessions.
Jackie Young from Plastic Free Plymouth said: “As with many environmental improvements, the solution starts with personal action. Everyone can make a difference and that’s exactly what Plymouth’s ‘Plastic Free’ campaign has been supporting.
“Environment Plymouth is looking for 100 new plastic free ‘champions’ to lead by example and take action in their everyday lives. 50 of these champions need to be businesses; especially those working in the marine environment, retail or leisure but individuals, families, community groups and schools are welcome too. Taking part is very easy.
“We know it is very unlikely that Plymouth will ever go 100% plastic free so the project is focused on single use plastic – the type of plastic used once and then simply thrown away.”
Environment Plymouth is asking participants to look around their home or workplace to find three items of single use plastic that can eliminated from use. They might be replaced with something more eco-friendly or there might be a different way of using them they may not be needed at all. Having chosen the items, the project is encouraging commitment to a plastic free pledge that also lists three actions that will keep the plastic free actions moving forward.
To make a pledge towards this popular project simply email info@environmentplymouth.org and a pledge form will be sent to fill in and return.
Jackie added:
“Don’t forget: choose wisely, wash out well, re-use and recycle. Every little helps.”
