Plastic pollution, in particular, is considered one of the main current causes of environmental and health damage, contributing for example to the reduction of biodiversity, groundwater and ocean pollution, landscape degradation and increased risk of flooding. In addition to contaminating oceans, animals and even food we eat, plastic also contributes to climate change. Even so, the numbers of production and incorrect disposal of this material keep growing. Recycling material is not enough to reverse such a trend.

Half of the plastic we consume is disposable and at least 13 million tons end up in our oceans and rivers yearly. Researches strongly believe that at this rate, the forecast is that by 2050 we are likely to face a world where there will be more plastic than fish in our seas and that 99% of seabirds will have ingested some kind of plastic. In addition to birds, plastic waste harms more than 600 marine species, of which 15% are endangered.

WWF's report on plastic waste in the United Kingdom shows that in 2014 a total generation of waste was approximately 4.9 million tonnes and that there is a high risk of increasing to approximately 6.3 million tonnes consumed until 2030. "Plastic packaging made up two thirds of plastic waste in 2014" or the equivalent of "3.3 million tonnes" (Webcache.googleusercontent.com, 2019)

“In 2016, 91% of plastic waste which was sent to treatment went to ‘recycling and other recovery’ and 9% to landfill. The amount of plastic waste going to landfill fell from 122,400 tonnes in 2012 to 53,400 tonnes in 2016.” (Webcache.googleusercontent.com, 2019)

These facts have had and continuously cause a great impact on people’s lives daily. Therefore this has influenced me to create this petition as a way to incentive the reduction of plastic pollution including its disposal and consumption within our community as well as a way to bring these issues to light resulting in a response or action taken from the City Council and Local authorities within Manchester. Modern society is increasingly dependent on disposable plastic products. Half of all plastic produced is designed to be used only once and then thrown away, which can occur after just 30 seconds. This is a serious and alarming issue currently affecting our environment globally which requires rapid action.

If we work together, we can significantly reduce the amount of microplastics that eventually go to our rivers and seas and thus protect wildlife by establishing a better and cleaner world to live in today and for the future generations. The measures needed to prevent further pollution of the seas and rivers depend on industries, local authorities, councils, governments , and of course from us, consumers also. Let’s do our part! Strive for a better environment!

Recycle Today , Don’t Throw it Away!!

Please Sign Our Petition