How can we get rid of plastic waste?

Only a 'drop in the ocean', but for those of us who walk in the countryside, if we see something plastic discarded at the side of the road or lane, pick it up and take home to put in your recycling. Or burn it.
When we first moved here (rural France) you never saw rubbish of any kind at the side of the road, but now it's a daily occurence.

I watched this morning showing in graphic detail how a whale had starved to death because his gut was totally blocked with plastic bags, and some seabirds feeding their chicks plastic.

I decided there and there and then to do as much as I can to avoid using plastic.
Shop in Totnes totally plastic free wish I could get there

I presume you remember 2006, vote blue, get green, the last Tory attempt to get the green vote.

Hope you saw Gordon Ramsey on the One Show promising to change to paper straws.
Anyone going to his restaurants, make sure he does.

who needs straws - no need for straws at all (unless you have a disability).

2042 is just toooooooo laaaaaate- we have to act NOW and fast.

If you agree- do sign the petition:

www.change.org/p/the-rt-hon-michael-gove-top-10-uk-retailers-to-switch-to-biodegradable-packaging-materials-now/nftexp/ex43/control/48423470?recruiter=48423470&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=share_petition&utm_term=autopublish&utm_content=ex43%3Acontrol

How do we persuade the world?

news.sky.com/story/just-10-rivers-carry-90-of-plastic-polluting-the-oceans-11167581

by doing it ourselves first ... a lot of money and vested interests in packaging- big business !

Will they listen?

who is 'they'? the rest of the world?

I can never agree with the concept that unless others are going to do something which is really worthwhile and right- then it is not worth even trying to lead by example.

Switzerland and Germany are way ahead of us, as is Sweden.
They didn't say they were not going to bother unless the UK did it as well.

The EU has had a report on reducing plastic waste since 2012.
Why is May so concerned now?
Could it be because Gove is getting lots of kudos for his new environmental conversion?

Please don't burn plastic at home, as suggested further up the thread! That releases so many horrible pollutants into the air.

I think while we wait for official steps to be taken, we can still do our own bit by reducing the amount of plastic we use. I've used reusable bags, including produce bags, for years now and I rarely use a 'disposable' coffee cup. I ate out tonight at Byron and was pleased to note that straws are no longer automatically offered with drinks. As they say, every little helps!

Oh, ffs djen
They didn't say they were not going to bother unless the UK did it as well.

I ask how we can persuade the rest of the world, it was not a rhetorical question - and you manage to twist my post yet again!

Ah, well, no suggestions are forthcoming then? only misinterpreting what posters say and turn it into an excuse to have another go.

Never mind, perhaps others have some good ideas. Oh yes, jura has some
by doing it ourselves first ... a lot of money and vested interests in packaging- big business !
Surely technology can come up with better packaging, if required, that is totally biodegradable?

Oh, for fuck's sake, Jalima, why didn't you attack Jura who said a similar thing?
No, you just attack me, don't you, on every bloody thread!
Give up.

I presume, by the way, that you buy biodegradable packaging when you can, biodegradable bin liners, etc.
Toothbrushes made out of cornstarch, etc?

www.futurenergia.org/ww/en/pub/futurenergia/chats/bio_plastics.htm

There is no need to swear djen

I made a statement and you turned it around. I asked why.

So saying ffs is not swearing, is it not?
How weird.

have you never heard of 'for flip's sake'? which is what is usually said in our house.

Yes, and you know because we have discussed recycling on other threads.

and make my own bags.
Or use the ones I bought in Modbury

durhamjen am surprised at your language!
This thread is hardly an ‘angry’ one.....or wasn’t up to now.
The UK is doing quite well, the banning of free plastic bags has done a lot for the environment, and other measures will be taken.
If you have a look at a Globe though, you realise how very tiny we are, and the rest of the world a huge place, it will take time for the worst offenders to stop bunging up the rivers with this stuff, look at what India alone chucks into rivers.?

Absolutely no call for the language and aggression on this thread last night. By resorting to it you have demonstrated your inability to express your opinion in a coherent and intelligent manner.

There a no landfill sites in Switzerland - and only plastics which can be recycled profitably and meaningfully (eg into other articles which are of real use) - like PET are recycled.

All garden and vegetable waste is composted by Councils, and the compost given away free when ready, to the local people.

All the rest is incinerated in modern plants with highly effective filters- and the heat used to provide heating for the local area.

It can be done - but the will needs to be there.

We have btw NO refuse collections- and where I live, we pay for our refuse by weight- in some areas people have to buy official refuse sacks for that particular Council. It makes people think and so much more aware.