Marine Conservation Society (MCS) is urging the public to make our own Plastic Challenge this July to help stop ocean plastic pollution.
A Spokesperson from MCS stated “Over the past few weeks, we’ve been shocked to see beaches, parks and public spaces suffering the scourge of litter and single-use plastic, from cups to gloves, takeaway food containers and face masks. So we’re asking for your help to spread the message that anyone enjoying time outdoors this summer should #KeepItClean and take their litter home.”
The increase of litter across the country shows standards are slipping. Each and every one of us has a responsibility to clean up after ourselves.
Dr Laura Foster, Head of Clean Seas said
“It’s easy to think that litter on land has no role to play at sea, whereas in fact, 80% of ocean litter comes from land.
In a recent survey, 63% of those asked were very or extremely concerned about marine plastic pollution and 61% were very or extremely concerned about the health of our oceans. The concern for the health of our ocean must be echoed in our actions on land, whether on the beach, in a park or strolling down our local high street.
Almost a third (30.4%) of all litter found across the UK’s beaches over our Great British Beach Clean weekend last year was from the public, whether left on the beaches, blown in off the street or carried by waterways to the coast. The top ten most prolific items included cigarette stubs (42.6 per 100m); crisp, sweet and sandwich packets (30.9 per 100m); caps and lids (20.4 per 100m); alongside plastic or polystyrene pieces (143 per 100m). ‘On-the-go’ convenience packaging is amongst the most common types of litter, and one which could be easily avoided.”
Dr Laura Foster, Head of Clean Seas said: “Surveys have consistently shown that the UK public care about the fate of our ocean, are concerned about plastic pollution and want to see the health of the environment at the heart of the strategy for recovering from Coronavirus. So many of us realised how much being outdoors helped our physical and mental wellbeing during lockdown, and while most people are being responsible we need to ensure the few don’t spoil it for the many. The increase of litter across the country shows standards are slipping. Each and every one of us has a responsibility to clean up after ourselves.”
Lizzie Prior, Beachwatch Officer said: “There’s no doubt that the pictures of litter on beaches across the UK from this past few weeks are the worst I have ever seen, yet the awareness of marine pollution is the highest I have ever known. We know the impact litter, particularly plastic, has on our marine environment so please remember, wherever you go, take your litter home”
Please spread the word and encourage friends, family and neighbours to #KeepItClean when they head outdoors to enjoy the sunshine. You can find a folder of images to share here.
You can sign up now to organise a beach clean at this year’s Great British Beach Clean here.
