Throughout this year we’ve seen the media spotlight on the environmental damage we are causing to the world, particularly with an over-reliance on single-use plastics. The stark message Sir David Attenborough set out in his final episode of Blue Planet II triggered massive public interest what each of us can do to protect our planet for future generations.
Today’s Government announcement on a new Resources and Waste Strategy is a vital blueprint to help our country move away from being a “throw away” society. Although over the last decade Britain has made significant progress in improving recycling and making better use of resources, we must go faster and further to reduce, reuse and recycle.
One of the most eye-catching proposals is putting a financial incentive on businesses and manufacturers to reduce unnecessary packaging. If not, they will be forced to pay the full cost of disposing of and recycling their packaging waste.
With different systems used by various councils, we all know how confusing it can be to understand what we can recycle. The plans to simplify the recycling system and introduce a countrywide system will make things easier for us as individuals.
Many constituents contacted me over the last year urging politicians to take action on single-use drinks containers. Introducing a deposit-return scheme, like those used in Scandinavia, will encourage us all to recycle drinks bottles and cans rather than tossing them in the bin.
This strategy is an ambitious plan that will tackle what many consider a ticking waste timebomb. We must seize this opportunity to take action now.