THE MARINE Conservation Society has launched its annual challenge urging people to go plastic free for the month of July.
Their ‘Plastic Challenge’ encourages people to take up the event in a bid to raise their own awareness of just how much they use.
It has the backing of TV presenter and Ocean Ambassador Simon Reeve. He said: “Our planet is becoming poisoned by plastic.
“The vast amount in our oceans has become an environmental emergency as a direct result of our throwaway society.”
Among the things people found hardest to replace were milk containers, dried goods packaged in single use plastic like pasta rice and pulses, loo paper and toothpaste.
MCS says that many people who take on the challenge really do get stuck in.
“They know why it’s so important to cut down on our plastic use,” says Dr Kinsey. “If these dedicated ditchers found it hard to find non single use plastic alternatives then that just goes to show how plastic dominates our lives even if you actively don’t want it to.”
MCS beach cleaning data has revealed a rise of 180% of plastic litter found on beaches in the last two decades posing a huge threat to wildlife and humans.
Plastic bags, bottles and tiny plastic pieces, are regularly found in the stomachs of turtles and other sea creatures and in some cases have caused their death from starvation or choking.
“Reducing plastic litter will certainly be an uphill climb – but there are some easy steps to take and if we can all cut down the amount we use there’s no doubt our marine environment will be a healthier place” Dr. Kinsey said.
“People taking on the Plastic Challenge are often shocked to find out just how much single-use plastic is used every day.”
The charity has also published a book – ‘How To Live Plastic Free – a day in the life of a plastic detox’.
It is published by Headline UK, ISBN 978-1-4722-5981-3.
WANT TO LEARN MORE? Read: MCS Plastic Challenge
IMAGE CREDITS: cc BlueBudgie