Fighting Plastic Pollution in Jersey

Friday, April 20, 2018

Plastic pollution has sadly become a big problem to our sea life and it is now time to make amends.

Part of the problem is not the plastic itself, it’s the people who don’t recycle or dispose of plastic waste in a responsible way. This is why we need to address marine plastic pollution and specifically tackling society’s disposable, excessive or unnecessary plastic culture.

Jersey has signed up for the Surfers Against Sewage ‘Plastic Free Status’ initiative.

Plastic Free Jersey is an initiative that brings together individuals, groups, businesses and organisations to reduce the amount of plastic we use. Surfers Against Sewage developed the scheme to tackle the plastic problem specifically in coastal areas. In order to be awarded with Plastic Free status we need to meet some strict criteria and everyone should get involved.

Join me to help Jersey gain ‘Plastic Free’ status

For Surfers Against Sewage to award us with ‘plastic free status’ we need to show we meet their criteria. We need you to get involved at home, at work, at school or wherever you are.

There are easy things we can do, such as:

  • carry a bag with you so you don't need to buy a plastic bag when you're shopping
  • use a reusable cup for tea and coffee on the go (you might even get a discount)
  • take your own cutlery if you are eating out and about
    say no to straws
  • look at plastic free alternatives for your home
  • buy loose fruit and veg
  • use refillable cleaning products
  • use food containers rather than wrapping left overs in cling film
  • shop in places that offer plastic free alternatives
  • pick up plastic from the beach and country lanes when you are out

Plastic pollution is an issue that connects the environment with all parts of society, and is something that we can take action on in Jersey at every level.

Jersey is in a position where we can lead the world on the fight against single use plastics if we are brave enough.

There are lots of plastic items that we can live without i.e. plastic bottles, coffee cups & lids, straws, cutlery, cotton buds, plastic bags & packaging, as there are alternatives available.

Cups, lids and straws made from corn starch (PLA) are completely compostable.

Why use shower gel instead of a bar of soap?

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