Challenging Government, Government & Policy, How To Guides, Top Tips Posted — 3 February 2022
Get Heard and Support New Bans on Single Use Plastic
2022 has got off to an epic start for Plastic Free Communities, with seven communities achieving our Plastic Free Communities Award and almost 100 objectives in the five-step plan ticked off across the UK, all tackling plastic pollution at source. And of course, the release of our Impact Report showing the incredible impact volunteers, businesses, allies and individuals are having where they live.
But despite this huge ground swell of action from individuals and communities we are still seeing tonnes of plastic pollution being churned out by big business. Our 2021 Brand Audit, which Ocean Activists like you made happen, showed that the likes of Coke and Walkers continue to pump out single-use packaging onto our beaches despite commitments to take action.
We have also seen the policies that could make a real difference to plastic pollution, like Deposit Return Schemes and bans on single-use plastic, delayed and delayed by a government too busy tying themselves in knots to put the environment first.
There is something we can do – right now – to help call government and industry to account.
England are currently consulting on whether to ban plastic single-use cutlery and other similar items. This consultation is a great opportunity for you to have your say on plastic pollution so we created some top tips to help you respond and make your voice heard. You can find that here.
Surfers Against Sewage CEO Hugo Tagholm said:
“I’m so proud of the impact Plastic Free Communities have helped deliver. Whether on the coastline or inland, they truly have delivered Ocean Activism everywhere.
But these Ocean Activists who have done so much over the course of the pandemic to innovate and mobilise to ensure that we continue to free communities from the scourge of single-use thinking are being let down by a government tied in knots and big business who continue to put profit ahead of planet.
To turn the tide on plastic pollution we need to see governments and business take real and concerted action to tackle plastic pollution. The time for greenwashing is over, it’s time for action.”
The pace of government and business change is far too slow. And the ambition of those in power falls far short of the overarching polices and actions we need to reduce plastic production at source and turn the tide on pollution for good. The people of the UK are doing their bit to free our beaches from plastic pollution it’s time for governments to do the same.
Join the movement and make your voice heard.
Top tips for responding to England’s single use plastic consultation can be found here.
Read the Plastic Free Communities Impact Report
Join the Plastic Free Community Movement: plasticfree.org.uk
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