England Takes Action to Ban Single Use Plastics.
So Can You!
From 1 October 2023 businesses must no longer supply, sell or offer certain single-use plastic items in England.
Why ban single use plastics?
Much of the plastic we use, particularly single use products, doesn't make it to the recycling plant because it is littered and eventually ends up in our rivers and oceans. To give you an idea of quantity here’s a fact - 40% of the 400 million tonnes of plastic that is produced in a year is single use plastic. (Keep Britain Tidy)
Plastic’s journey is catastrophic for the environment, posing a threat to the climate as it slowly breaks down and releases greenhouse gases, and infiltrates our waterways, soil and oceans.
Why is action being taken?
Because taking action works! In 2015 a 5p charge for carrier bags was introduced in English supermarkets. In 2021, the charge was increased to 10p and extended to all businesses. Since then, the number of plastic bags used across all retailers has fallen 35%, from 627m in 2019-20 to 406m in 2022-23. (The Guardian)
What can you do in the quest to reduce single use plastic?
The first step is to gain an understanding of what single use plastics you use and the quantity of them.
You can do this by simply drawing your attention to the single use plastics you have in your home and come across during daily life. Keep an eye on your recycling bin and what you put into it. When you go to a café or shop to pick up a drink, meal or snack take notice of the packaging and how you dispose of it.
With this awareness you can decide what impact you can and want to make in reducing their use. It could be making that trip to the supermarket to recycle your soft plastics, taking your own cup to the café, making an effort to research what re-usable alternatives are available that will suit your needs, or choose to just ‘go without’ the product that’s wrapped in plastic! For some inspiration read our blog
As long as you take some action, no matter how big or small, you will be contributing to a reduction in single use plastics and in turn making a positive impact on your environment.
“We don't have to engage in grand, heroic actions to participate in change.
Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people,
can transform the world.”
Howard Zinn.