Before 'Blue Planet 2' there were many people advocating a change in the way we use plastic. For example: Mat Arney writes a fab blog full of information. His post about single use plastics from March 2012 is definitely still worth a read, and maybe it might just change your life....

 

An Tor Orth An Mor: Give Up SUP's (single use plastics)

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One of the Polzeath Marine Conservation Group volunteers - Sarah Millward - used to keep a blog of all things marine related and in February 2013, she posted an entry titled: ‘Mermaids purses and marine plastic’. The entry included links to further sources of information and photos of the impact marine borne plastic has upon wildlife. She has unfortunately stopped keeping the blog, but is still a very active marine conservationist.

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The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) have been raising awareness of the issues surrounding marine litter for many years, and the 'Clean Seas' section of their website is a useful place to find out some top facts, and what we can all do to reduce the impace of plastic and other litter on the marine environment.

 

In 2013, BBC Spotlight highlighted the work of Plymouth University and Professor Richard Thompson, whom are looking at the long term impact of plastics on the marine environment. Check out the following link to an article by Susan Watts for more information: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-21236477

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We must not forget Keep Britain Tidy and the army of BeachCare volunteers who have been monitoring their local beaches for years. It is via groups like Polzeath BeachCare, that valuable data has been collected to help monitor litter levels on our beaches.

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But, for most, it was 'Blue Planet 2' and David Attenborough that raised eyebrows... Suddenly the UK was aware! The Radio Times reported the massive response to the show, and David Attenborough's plea was publicised.

Since then, ''The European Parliament has voted for a complete ban on a range of single-use plastics across the union in a bid to stop pollution of the oceans. MEPs backed a ban on plastic cutlery and plates, cotton buds, straws, drink-stirrers and balloon sticks. The proposal also calls for a reduction in single-use plastic for food and drink containers like plastic cups.'' (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-45965605)

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So we are now, hopefully moving in the right direction...

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