Whether it ’ s through poorly managed refuse centres , rubbish left on the beach by visitors , or litter travelling through our waterways to the ocean – the fact of the matter is that there is an estimated 8 million tonnes of plastic entering the oceans every year . Ocean plastics is a global problem we can ’ t afford to ignore . The startling findings of a recent report suggested that by 2050 there could be more plastic than fish in the sea . It ’ s abundantly clear that we simply need to produce less plastic waste .”
Dr Sue Kinsey at the Marine Conservation Society told us , “ Plastic items such as bottles and packaging in our seas and on our coasts are a menace to wildlife particularly as they start to break down , as they can be eaten by animals at all stages of the food chain and add to the microplastic load of the oceans .”
Meredith ’ s Top Tips for reducing plastic use . 1 . Bring your own shopping bag , every time . 2 . Say NO to straws , every time . Buy your own paper / steel / glass straws . 3 . Don ’ t use toothpaste or shower gel with micro beads in . 4 . Buy bamboo toothbrushes , shop around and you can find them for the same price as plastic ones . 5 . Don ’ t buy bottled water . Take a flask . 6 . Buy things packed in cardboard or glass . In the supermarket look out for recyclable packaging . 7 . Buy cloth nappies . ( Meredith had cloth nappies !) 8 . Don ’ t chew gum . It ’ s made of synthetic rubber which is a type of plastic and is non recyclable and not biodegradable . 9 . Reuse plastic . Soup pots make good flower pots . Butter pots are great for keeping craft bits in . 10 . Choose wooden toys wherever possible . Don ’ t throw plastic toys away , give them to other children or charity .
On the Button also spoke to some experts on the subject . We asked Will McCallum who is Head of Oceans at Greenpeace , about why plastic in the ocean is a problem and how it gets there in the first place . He explained that , “ Plastic in the ocean harms marine life on an all too regular basis . Animals can become entangled , suffocated , or even starved by the presence of plastic litter in their home environment .
minty films
Jodie Chillery is a television producer who has filmed in places that vary from the Himalayas to fishing trawlers in the English Channel for the BBC , Channel 4 , ITV , C5 and most of the others ! Jodie started Minty films and produces intimate heartfelt short films for communities , individuals , charities , artists , start ups , small businesses & social enterprises . The films tell powerful , engaging stories that need to be told whether that be for promotional purposes , raising awareness or for fundraising .
mintyfilms . org
The Marine Conservation Society also praised Meredith and told us what an inspirational young person they thought she was . The MCS are running a plastic challenge – Meredith and her family are going to take up the challenge – maybe we could get some more Arlesey families to take up the challenge too see here for details : www . mcsuk . org / plasticchallenge and do let us know how you get on it would be great to monitor your progress !
news
People in the community have asked why there appear to be fewer meetings of council committees nowadays . A good question ! On some occasions there is insufficient meaningful business to be undertaken , so holding a meeting because ‘ that ’ s what we do on the first Tuesday of the month ’ is not warranted . Councillor ’ s time is given voluntarily and all have jobs and families vying for their attention . So , councillors are using their time to proactively get involved in issues and opportunities in and for the community . Currently , for example , we are seeking to understand the strategy of a local housing association which is considering replacing rented garages with social housing . We meet with them early in the process so residents and full council may make informed representations when the consultations commence .
We are actively involved in addressing alleged planning breaches that caused much distress to the community last autumn and are working to ensure such actions are not repeated . We are representing the council and community at the Masterplan stakeholder meetings , ensuring Arlesey ’ s voice is heard . We are liaising with other bodies including the Police and commercial vehicle operators to make our congested streets safer . These proactive initiatives we feel are the best use of our councillors time and skills . Of course reports from and any decisions on these matters are taken at our full council meetings or as necessary committee meetings .
All meetings of the Council are publicised on the website , social media and ATC noticeboards . We would actively encourage members from the community to attend . Alternatively , please do contact us or via Susan or Janet in the Office to discuss any local matter and we will do our best to help .
www . facebook . com / groups / onthebutton / | # infoonthebutton | on the button issue 47 July 2016
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