Tuesday 29 September 2020
Green Party MLA Rachel Woods has today (Tuesday 29 September) submitted an Assembly motion urging the NI Executive to reduce the use of single use plastics across our economy and society and promote the use of eco-friendly alternatives.
The motion comes in response to a surge in the use of single use plastics since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic with single use gloves, masks and wipes littering the streets and polluting our waterways.
Rachel Woods MLA said: “The pandemic has brought about a “back-step” in the battle against plastic pollution.
“Plastic gloves, wipes and masks are littering our streets, they are ending up in waste to landfill and they are endangering our marine and bird life.
“The NI Executive must issue a clear public message and tackle the use of single use plastics by Executive departments. By 2050 it is estimated that we will have more plastic than fish in our seas.
"Plastic pollution won't go away unless we work together at all levels. This means manufacturer responsibility as well as citizens using PPE in an environmentally responsible way and opting for reusable, sustainable materials when they can.
“The NI Executive must identify and implement urgent actions across all departments to reduce the use of single use plastics and promote the use of eco-friendly alternatives.
“I hope that the Assembly debate and support this important motion as we look to move past the pandemic gripping the world at present but also deal with the scourge of plastic pollution.”
ENDS
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