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As I supporter and volunteer with Plastic Free Jersey I would like to make a submission to the scrutiny panel regarding plastic use in our island. My points are as follows;
- Water fountains in public places would cut usage of plastic bottles.
- Cafes and shops should stop selling plastic water bottles and coffee cups. Glass bottles can be recycled and customers should be encouraged to use their own flasks or cups.
- We need signs to discourage littering on beaches and parks and there are fines for this which could be mentioned. I constantly pick up rubbish from beaches and our lanes as I cycle and in a beautiful island with a tourist industry it is a great shame plus harmful to our environment.
- La Collette is a brilliant recycling scheme but it would be even better if plastic could be recycled maybe in conjunction with Guernsey as I understand it is too expensive.
- The old slogan of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle is still very relevant. We need to consume less to start with.
- Cafes and bars should not give out plastic straws as they are pointless and contribute to waste. There are paper and bamboo alternatives but number 5 applies.
- Shops should NOT sell or give away plastic carriers at all then customers would have to use their own. A carrier bag is used on average for 12 seconds and does not biodegrade.
- Children should be taught conservation and to use bins as they are the adults of the future. I have seen children and teenagers leave cans bottles and takeaway cartons on the beach when there are bins at the top of steps.
- Baby wipes should be biodegradable as people do flush them although they are not flushable and they can then end up in the sea.
- In Sweden plastic bottles are being used in road making.
- Cigarette ends are toxic and take 15 years to biodegrade. I see many on our beaches and streets. We need more bins with stubbing out trays on top. It is also litter so more signage could make this clear. Smokers should also take responsibility and use their own tins to safely dispose of the ends.
I hope this is of assistance and await the final outcome with interest. Carol Derrien