Greener upon Thames Advisor

University of Plymouth

Reader in Marine Benthic Ecology, School of Marine Science and Engineering

{The text for the Greener upon Thames launch by Dr. Thompson}

Plastic production has increased exponentially in the last few decades and more plastic will have been produced in the first ten years of the current century than in the entire century that preceded. This is of concern because plastics are very durable yet their main use is for disposable items of packaging which are discarded within a year or so of production. Hence end of life plastics accumulating and creating a global environmental problem. In addition we are currently using 8% of world oil production to make plastics and this is not sustainable.

Reducing use of carrier bags is a small step but it gives a very important message. Most of the goods in our shops are already very well, if not, over packaged and so it seems entirely unnecessary for us to use a further item of disposable packaging to take these goods home. To me its not about whether your bag is plastic, paper or cloth it is about re-use! Banning plastic bags at a local scale gives a clear indication of your commitment to the environment. Although the quantities of plastic saved may be small I believe reducing wasteful practice such as this helps focus the minds of all those involved on broader scale reductions in packaging. These will ultimately will require participation from industry and government, but public pressure is a key driver in this process. For those in the audience who would like to find out more please try to access a copy of the recently published theme issue of Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society this has 200 pages focusing on plastics the environment and human health.

I wish you well with your meeting tonight and your project.

Cheers,

Dr Richard Thompson