Update 10/05/18
Ministers announced new funding for scientists at the University of Plymouth which will use it to research how particles from tyres, polyester clothing and fishing gear enter the oceans and affect marine life.
The project comes after the Government introduced a ban on miniature plastic beads or ‘microbeads’ in the manufacture of wash-off cosmetic and personal care products where the plastics can be washed down the drain. There are many other sources of small plastic particles – found in places as remote as the Arctic sea ice – including from car tyre friction on roads or through fibres from synthetic clothes released during washing. The 11-month project will build on research already under way, with scientists estimating that tyres contribute 270,000 tonnes of plastics per year while a single wash load of acrylic clothing could release more than 700,000 microfibres into the ocean.
I know that many of my constituents share my view that the impact of plastic pollution on our oceans is one of the greatest environmental challenges of our generation. I am grateful to Surfers Against Sewage, based in St Agnes, who I have been working with for some time. They keep me updated on the latest research so that I can effectively lobby for change in Government policy. The UK is already leading the way in this area, but we want to go further – and faster. Robust scientific evidence should support our policy proposals, and through this exciting project we will build on work under way to understand better how microplastics end up in the marine environment and what we can do to tackle this in the future.
The project is being led by Professor Richard Thompson, who said: ‘The types of microplastics entering the marine environment are incredibly diverse, but recent estimates in Norway and Sweden have suggested that particles of tyre and debris from the road surface could be a substantial source. With very limited real data available to confirm the impact from these sources, there is a genuine and pressing need to establish the true scale of this issue. By combining this with an assessment of the quantities of microplastic from synthetic textiles, we can develop a more complete picture on the relative importance of various sources. We will be able to use our findings to work with the Government, scientists and industry to try to prevent these particles entering the marine environment in the future.’
It is vital that we all play our part in reducing the chances of plastic getting into our marine environment by decreasing our use of single use plastic and disposing of it carefully if we do. It is great to see so many people, scientists, industry, businesses and organisations working together to tackle this problem and to see so many local ‘plastic free’ initiatives as well as beach cleans. It’s difficult to kick the plastic habit but each of us doing something will add up to a big difference.
Update 02/08/17
Microbeads will be banned to prevent tiny pieces of plastic entering the world’s oceans where they are then swallowed by wildlife, the Environment Secretary announced last week.
He also pledged action to reduce plastic waste in the world’s oceans and set out the Government’s ambition for the UK to lead the world in environmental protection.
As new figures published last week 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.
Speaking at WWF UK on Friday morning, he said: “Eight million tonnes of plastic are discarded into the world’s oceans each year, putting marine wildlife under serious threat.
“There is more we can do to protect our oceans, so we will explore new methods of reducing the amount of plastic – in particular plastic bottles – entering our seas, improve incentives for reducing waste and litter, and review the penalties available to deal with polluters – all part of a renewed strategy on waste and resources that looks ahead to opportunities outside the EU.”
Greenpeace UK oceans campaigner Louisa Casson said: “The UK government has just proposed the strongest ban on microbeads in the world to date.
“This is great news for our environment and a positive sign of Britain’s global leadership on ocean plastics.”
For some time I have worked with St Agnes based Surfers Against Sewage, campaigning for these vital changes – small changes that make a huge difference. Some people are concerned about post Brexit environmental protection. Along with transferring EU laws to the UK, the plans laid out demonstrate commitment to delivering our pledge to leave the environment in a better state for the next generation.
Update 08/09/18
I fully support the ban on the use of microbeads in cosmetic products and have been working with Surfers Against Sewage to promote this. Microbeads are certainly having detrimental effects in oceans all around the world so it is essential that we take action.
Recently the Parliamentary Office for Science and Technology published a report on Marine Microplastic Pollution. This report explains what microplastics are, what effect they are having on both wildlife and the environment and how they are currently being managed.
The UK, along with several of our neighbours, is party to an international organisation known as the Oslo and Paris Convention for the Protection of the North East Atlantic. One of its most important objectives is to reduce marine litter, and in 2014 its members agreed a regional action plan to address this problem. The plan includes action on microplastics, and involves co-operating with manufacturers to achieve a voluntary phase out of their use in cosmetics and personal care products.
Following this agreement the European trade body for the industry, Cosmetics Europe, issued a formal recommendation to its member companies to discontinue the use of microbeads in these products. It also noted that many of its member companies had done so already.
I welcome the news that Asda, Morrisons, Tesco and Sainsbury’s have all agreed to take action on microbeads. Tesco has committed to remove all microbeads by 2017 and Waitrose will remove all branded products with beads from 4 September. Other supermarkets say they are seeking to ban the microbeads – Boots, Waitrose, Marks & Spencer, Next, Aldi, Superdrug and Asos are also seeking to banish the ‘toxic’ beads from their products.
I am delighted that the Government has announced further action and will continue to work with our international partners to eradicate the use of microbeads.
06/09/16
I fully support the ban on the use of microbeads in cosmetic products. They are certainly having detrimental effects on our marine ecology and in oceans all around the world so it is essential to take action.
Recently the Parliamentary Office for Science and Technology published a report on Marine Microplastic Pollution. This report explains what microplastics are, what effect they are having on both wildlife and the environment and how they are currently being managed.
I copy below a link to the report for your information:
http://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/POST-PN-0528/POST-PN-0528.pdf
The UK, along with several of our neighbours, is party to an international organisation known as the Oslo and Paris Convention for the Protection of the North East Atlantic. One of its most important objectives is to reduce marine litter, and in 2014 its members agreed a regional action plan to address this problem. The plan includes action on microplastics, and involves co-operating with manufacturers to achieve a voluntary phase out of their use in cosmetics and personal care products.
Following this agreement the European trade body for the industry, Cosmetics Europe, issued a formal recommendation to its member companies to discontinue the use of microbeads in these products. It also noted that many of its member companies had done so already.
I welcome the news that Asda, Morrisons, Tesco and Sainsbury’s have all agreed to take action on microbeads. Tesco has committed to remove all microbeads by 2017 and Waitrose will remove all branded products with beads from 4 September. Other supermarkets say they are seeking to ban the microbeads - Boots, Waitrose, Marks & Spencer, Next, Aldi, Superdrug and Asos are also seeking to banish the ‘toxic’ beads from their products.
