Gosport MP, Caroline Dinenage, has welcomed new proposed initiatives to help tackle plastic pollution and reduce litter in the Gosport Constituency.
Back in 2018, Caroline worked with the then Environment Minister, Gosport Borough Council and local manufacturer Huhtamaki to launch the constituency’s first ever paper coffee cup recycling project. The scheme piloted a collection and recycling service for residents and businesses.
Reducing plastic pollution and protecting the local coastal environment is something that Caroline has been actively involved in over the years, from supporting the Gosport Wombles to organising her own beach clean with the Marine Conservation Society.
Now, the government is proposing two new reforms to overhaul the waste and resources sector. This includes A Deposit Return Scheme – incentivising consumers to return their drinks containers to points hosted by retailers – and Extended Producer Responsibility – making manufactures responsible for their packaging waste and costs.
It is estimated annually 14 billion plastic drinks bottles are used every year in the UK, and in 2019, approximately 11.7 million tonnes of packaging entered the UK market. Consultations on both schemes have now opened for local residents to have their say on proposals.
Caroline commented:
“Living in a coastal community it is clear just how harmful litter and plastic is as it blights our beaches.
“Having worked with local businesses and residents over the years to help improve our environment, I know just how important tackling plastic pollution is to constituents.
“I am pleased to see these proposed reforms and encourage residents to have their say in the consultations.”
Environment Secretary George Eustice said:
“Through our world-leading Environment Bill we are transforming the way we deal with waste.
“Tackling plastic pollution lies at the heart of our efforts, and we have already taken steps to ban microbeads, cut supermarket sales of single-use plastic bags by 95% and prohibit the supply of plastic straws, stirrers and cotton buds.
“These new changes will further ensure that more of what we consume is recycled and reused. They will stimulate the creation of alternatives to single-use plastics and establish consistent rules to help people recycle more easily across the country.”