The scale of programmes and projects focusing on plastics is growing hugely. Four articles focusing on plastic and in particular plastic bottles – at different scales – Global (UNEP) to London (One bottle less) to Coca Cola to Scottish Deposit return schemes. Signup for the 38 degrees petition on deposit return schemes (211k/300K needed)

1.  The UN Environment Programme on 23 February 2017  launched an unprecedented global campaign to eliminate major sources of marine litter – microplastics in cosmetics and the excessive, wasteful usage of single-use plastic – by 2022. Launched at the Economist World Ocean Summit in this Indonesian island known for coral reefs, the #CleanSeas campaign is urging governments to pass plastic reduction policies; targeting industry to minimize plastic packaging and redesign products; and calling on consumers to change their throwaway habits — before irreversible damage is done to our seas. UN Environment head Erik Solheim said: “It’s past time that we tackle the plastic problem that blights our oceans.” Click here to read more

2.  One less bottle in the ocean

The new #OneLess campaign, led by ZSL and partners in the Marine CoLABoration, is working to make London the first capital city to stop using single-use plastic bottles. What you can do as an individual

• Make a personal commitment to stop using single-use plastic water bottles, replacing these with a refillable bottle.
• Make the #OneLess pledge – take a selfie with your favourite refillable bottle and tweet it #OneLess, @onelessbtl.
• Ask the new London Mayor to make single-use plastic water bottles a priority issue.

What you can do as a business or organisation

• Remove all single-use plastic water bottles from your offices and retail outlets.
• Offer alternatives to single-use plastic water bottles, such as drinking fountains and boxed water, and encourage the use of refillable bottles.
• Inspire your customers to make the #OneLess pledge.

Click here to read more

3.  Coca-Cola gives its backing to a deposit return scheme for cans and bottles in Scotland.

In what appears to be a U-turn by the soft drinks giant Coca-Cola, the firm says the “time is right” to try new measures “such as a well-designed deposit scheme for drinks containers, starting in Scotland where conversations are under way”.

The statement comes just weeks after Sky News said it had seen an internal document that revealed the extent of Coca-Cola’s opposition to the introduction of a Deposit Return Scheme in the UK.

MCS has welcomed the move from Coca-Cola. Dr Sue Kinsey, MCS Senior Pollution Policy Officer said: “We’re delighted that Coca Cola has decided that a Deposit Return System for Scotland is a positive step forward. MCS believe that a properly designed system will reduce litter on our beaches and in our seas as well as increase recycling rates, reduce carbon emissi    ons and deliver good value for local authorities and tax payers. We also believe a system, custom made for Scotland, will benefit companies such as Coca Cola, providing them with a steady supply of clean recyclate, and smaller businesses will benefit from increased footfall and handling fees.” For more details click here.

4.  Join our call for a Deposit Return System in Scotland – MCS 

We’re almost there! MSP’s are beginning to listen – now’s the time to push Scottish Government to lead the way on tackling the plastic bottle problem. Such systems have been known to reduce littering by 80%. Plastic bottles and cans are becoming more and more of a serious issue, filling our oceans and littering our beaches where they harm our wildlife. Plastics are even entering our food chain, and we don’t yet know the effect this will have on us. We all need to take responsibility and do something about it – and we have an opportunity right now! Please email your MSP asking them to sign a motion that was put down on March 1st calling for a Deposit Return System. If you want to see a system where people across Scotland can return their bottles and cans in return for cash, please ask your MSP to support the motion. Click here for more information.