Today, as we celebrate this special day dedicated to our planet, we want to focus on a crucial issue: plastic pollution. Our collective efforts can bring about positive change and help us preserve the environment for future generations.

Facts about plastics from our Lead Environment Sustainability Advisor, Jamie Thomson

• One third of all plastic waste ends up in soil or freshwater
• As plastic breaks down, disintegrated particles can enter the food chain
• 1 in 3 fish caught now contain plastic
• 90% of plastic is made from fossil fuels
• For every tonne of plastic produced 2.5 tonnes of CO2 is emitted into the atmosphere
• 100,000 marine mammals and turtles and 1 million sea birds are killed by marine plastic pollution every year

Reduce, reuse and recycle is at the heart of our waste management efforts and plastic is a significant element of this. Sending waste plastics to landfill or for incineration both fuel its ubiquitous and negative environmental impact, so stopping waste going via these disposal routes is essential in the battle against plastic.

Since the launch of our new Sustainability Plan > Health, Safety, Quality & Environment- MJ Quinn, and through a number of initiatives including office based recycling, we have seen a 5% increase in recycling and increased landfill diversion by 7%, which also equates to a carbon emissions saving of approximately 3.5 tonnes per quarter.

We have also started to make improvements around product consumption such as the way we order materials. For example, by opting for bulk orders instead of smaller and therefore more frequent consignments, we expect packaging for certain items to be reduced by as much as 50%. This is only the beginning with further plans to introduce long-life storage coupled with once monthly bulk stocking, which will significantly reduce packaging and courier emissions.

Help Reduce Plastics

• Separate and Clean: When disposing of plastic items, make sure to separate them from other waste. Rinse out any food or liquid residues before recycling to prevent contamination.
• Recycle Right: Check your local recycling guidelines to ensure you’re recycling correctly. Some communities only accept certain types of plastic, so it’s essential to follow the guidelines to avoid contamination.
• Use Recycling Bins: Place your recyclable plastics in designated recycling bins. If your workplace doesn’t have recycling bins, suggest implementing a recycling program or reaching out to the appropriate department to explore recycling options.
• Reduce and Reuse: The best way to tackle plastic pollution is by reducing our consumption of single-use plastics. Consider using reusable water bottles, coffee cups, and shopping bags.
• Spread Awareness: Share your knowledge about plastic pollution and recycling with friends, family, and colleagues. Education is key to inspire others to take action and make sustainable choices.
• Engage in Clean-up Activities: Participate in local clean-up initiatives or organise one yourself.

Remember, every action counts. By incorporating these practices into our daily lives, we can help combat plastic pollution and create a healthier, cleaner planet.