Plastic pollution is an issue that connects the environment with all parts of society. It is something that we can take action on at every level. Only through concrete, collective, positive action will we be able to stop the flood of plastic pollution from overwhelming our planet.
TAKE ACTION WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
By organising local action, committing to ditching avoidable single-use plastics and making a concerted effort to make alternatives readily available, communities everywhere are leading the fight against avoidable single-use plastics and the marine pollution it causes.
With hundreds of communities working towards Plastic Free status there are lots of ways you can get involved. Register to lead a community and make your town, city, village, borough or region a plastic free zone. Find out more about the steps to becoming a leader and how to register.
TAKE INDIVIDUAL ACTION
Join the plastic free movement by signing-up for an individual action plan today. Making some simple changes to your lifestyle and buying habits not only improves our environment but can also save you money!
Start ticking off your Individual Action Plan and boycott throwaway plastics. Making simple changes to the way you live not only improves our environment but can also save you money!
Advice for Plastic Free Councils
As a council you have a huge role to play in Plastic Free Communities. You will probably have several Community Leads in your area and the council role is to support them where you can. How do you do this?
The offenders
Anyone and everyone can get involved to be the resistance our oceans need. It doesn’t matter who you are, how old you are or whether you live by the coast or not. There are contributions you can make that will make a difference. Everyone has a role to play!
Click or roll over the single use plastic items to reveal Shocking facts!
1. Plastic bottles
SAS beach cleans removed nearly 29,000 plastic bottles from our coastline in 2017.
2. Coffee cups and lids
In the UK, we use 7 million disposable coffee cups every day.
3. Plastic cutlery
Food and drink-related plastic items now make up one in every five pieces of litter.
4. Straws & plastic stirrers
Plastic straws are in the top 10 items polluting the ocean and harming marine life.
5.Plastic ‘food-on-the-go’ packaging
138 pieces of food and drink waste litter every 100 metres of beach.
6. Plastic bags
Plastic bags can kill marine wildlife by unintentional digestion or inhalation.
7. Bathroom plastics: Toothbrushes, disposable razors, plastic sanitary items, cotton buds, shower gel, shampoo & conditioner
A cotton bud stick can take 150 years to break down in the marine environment.
8. Plastic drinking cups
In the UK, 2.5bn plastic cups are thrown away each year.
9. Condiment sachets
Empty sachets are regularly found on SAS beach cleans.
Can any community get involved?
Yes! Plastic pollution affects all communities. It does not matter where you are as you will be helping to help stop the plastic tide.
How long does it take to get status?
It varies depending on the size of your community and the level of support you have.
How do I define my community area?
Stick to your Council boundary as much as you can as this will help with Objective 1. An easily identifiable area could help engage more people. Contact us if you need more advice.
Can existing organisations sign-up?
Yes. Your group is working towards an accreditation.
How much of my time should I dedicate?
As much as you want to put in. Building a team around you will help with this.
