Plastic pollution: it's time to act

Friday 27 July 2018

It's pictures like the one above this story which Jersey is now trying to prevent. Our over-use, and careless disposal of plastics, has become a major environmental threat, and now a group of politicians is aiming to assess the problem and tell us what should be done about it, by November.

The news come after Berni Kerrigan captured images of a gannet in flight with one leg caught in a discarded fishing net in the skies above the Channel Islands.

Statistics show that in 2016, only 6% of all plastic waste was recycled in Jersey, while plastic bottles collected as waste are currently exported to the UK to be recycled.

Chaired by Connétable Mike Jackson, the Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Scrutiny Panel  Panel, which includes Constables John Le Maistre and Sadie Le Sueur-Rennard and Deputy Kirsten Morel, has identified a number of key issues to explore as part of its review. They include joint measures between the Ministers for Infrastructure and Environment and collaborative work between departments, the achievability of the measures in place and the role of local businesses.

The Panel will also explore the limitations and challenges around the island's reliance on the importation of plastic materials, the effectiveness of plastic recycling and how plastic waste is treated. They will also look to other countries who have reduced or eliminate the use of plastics for possible lessons.

This turtle was rescued by the #BluePlanet2 crew. As it wasn’t injured and could swim, it was released straight away.#BluePlanet2 pic.twitter.com/XyxcxHlEjA

— BBC Earth (@BBCEarth) November 19, 2017

Connétable Mike Jackson said:  “Since the ever growing issue of plastic pollution was poignantly demonstrated on Blue Planet II towards the end of last year, the issue has now taken centre stage on a global scale.

"Jersey has its own role to play in reducing its use of plastics, not only for the benefit of our beautiful island environment, but also as a moral imperative on a global level. The Panel is keen to investigate what more can be done in addition to current awareness campaigns."

Islanders are invited to submit evidence, and you can click here to do so.

Pictured: Only 6% of all plastic waste is recycled in Jersey. (John Cameron/Unsplash)

The issue of plastic pollution has been in the global public eye for many years. Latest figures show that each year, 400 million tonnes of plastic is produced globally, 40% of which is single-use meaning it is only used once before being thrown away. 

In Jersey, the fight against single-use plastics has come under light thanks to the work of local eco-warrior Sheena Brockie and through the #plasticfreejersey campaign.  Launched earlier this year, the campaign has seen many businesses pledge to reduce their use of single-use plastics. Individuals and schools have also joined and the team is currently awaiting the delivery of a plastic recycling machine to use as an education tool.