Conservatives in government are acting to stop plastic entering our oceans, by banning microbeads and exploring a deposit return scheme for plastic bottles.
I am so proud of what we have done over last few weeks to secure better animal welfare both at home and abroad.
Around eight million tonnes of plastic makes its way into oceans each year, posing a serious threat to our natural and marine environment – experts estimate plastic is ingested by 31 species of marine mammals and over 100 species of sea birds.
As new figures published today revealed more than nine billion fewer plastic bags were used since the government introduced a 5p charge, an 83 per cent reduction, the Environment Secretary set out further plans to prevent other sources of plastic finding their way into our oceans and seas during a speech entitled ‘Delivering a Green Brexit’ today.
Mr Gove confirmed legislation will be introduced this year to ban the sale and manufacture of microbeads – tiny pieces of plastic that are easily swallowed by marine life – in cosmetics and personal care products such as toothpastes and shower gels.
See more here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/environment-secretary-pledges-action-on-ocean-plastics
