Unfortunately, our announcement that the Government is banning all single-use plastics was just for April Fools’ Day. This being said, banning single-use plastic is no joke, but a crucial step to addressing the climate crisis.
Made from fossil fuels, the global plastic industry would rank as the fifth largest emitter of greenhouse gases if it were a country. Taking centuries to break down and loaded with harmful chemicals, plastic does not just pollute our planet, but poses a serious risk to our health too.
From the heights of Mount Everest to the icy expanse of Antarctica, microplastics have contaminated every corner of the Earth. The Blood Type Plastic campaign by Common Seas also revealed microplastics are in our blood.
The scale of the problem cannot be solved by recycling alone. Our current waste infrastructure struggles to cope with the overwhelming volume of plastic waste and recycling often results in downcycling, consuming vast amounts of energy and resources without effectively addressing the root issue.
Despite the urgency, the UK is trailing behind in implementing effective plastic policy. It was only last year that takeaway boxes and plastic cutlery were finally removed from shelves. When might we expect the announcement of the next ban?
However, there is a groundswell of advocacy from NGOs and businesses alike pressing for change. We’re working hard with organisations to push plastic bans up the government agenda and turn this dream into a reality, for the benefit of our planet and health.
From supporting A Plastic Planet’s Sack the Sachet Campaign to launching Xampla’s natural Morro materials, we’re already laying the groundwork for a plastic-free future.
With the ongoing Global Plastics Treaty set for its fourth round of negotiations in Ottawa later this month, we are hopeful that a collective agreement will be forged to address the plastic crisis on an international scale.
Simply put, the time for action is now. This is not just a passing idea or prank for April Fool’s Day; it’s a necessary measure to protect our planet and future generations.