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- What are the main issues associated with plastic pollution and the threat this poses for the marine environment, both globally and specifically for Jersey?
The implications for the Marine environment are enormous and subsequently for the population. Much is well documented and websites such as the Marine Conservation Society suggest numerous links for those needing factual information.
Herse in Jersey substantial quantities of plastic are ending up in our sea and water systems. As the plastic and chemical quantities increase in our local species, the quantities of safely edible fish and other marine life will diminish. Trust in the quality of what we eat will diminish and this key food source will consequently decline. Already not enough is being caught to meet demand. This is a world problem that is being outstripped by population growth.
Here in Jersey, the economical reprocessing of waste is not possible and our incineration process is far from environmentally friendly. We may have to accept that the reality is we cannot recycle more than a small quantity of plastic. It is essential we seek alternatives when the use of plastics is not essential. Non- recyclable compressed plastic has uses and perhaps we should look more at what these are.
Globally the situation is acute and the only effective strategies are being applied in relatively well-off countries, where the community recognises the impact not removing plastic as a packaging or from sensitive sites where it has gathered has on their well-being.
Our community plays at beach clean ups'. Commercial organisations are jumping on the bandwagon, as it's a cheap media appealing way for them to raise their ECO profile.
- How effective would you say public awareness campaigns are in directly resulting in the reduction of single-use plastics? Is this enough or are there other initiatives that can be taken? If so, what are they?
My view based on the questions I am asked when giving talks and presentations is that the public are very confused about our plastic recycling process. Fundamentally, an individual's ability to absorb information and identify key facts works against a comprehension of the seriousness of the problem. People here think much more is recycled than is. Schools are giving out inaccurate information to pupils. Information displayed on packaging is also misleading. Also, our island population has a mixture of ethnic, cultural and socio-economic groups. Priorities in many lives place the concern about plastic quite low down the day to day to do list. Until it affects someone directly as a life-changing issue, there will not be the desire to properly address the situation. By then it will be too late.
Perhaps we need more films that show the public just what life will be like if nothing is done. Some are saying it is already too late and we certainly are playing a dangerous game.
- What are your thoughts on the role businesses can play in the reduction of plastics?
Businesses could remove a lot more plastic packaging from sold goods. There are often alternatives and we should ask the question: Is the fancy packaging really necessary now? Certainly, Internet shopping does not rest on how a thing is wrapped. Our potato industry uses huge amounts of plastic and pollutes the Islands water systems. The reality is that agriculture contributes very little to improve the Islands economy or self-sufficiency. Similarly, the fishing industry generates a huge quantity of plastic waste but makes a very minimal contribution. More accountability is required and tougher regulations should be put in place with heavy fines for careless management.
- What is your opinion of recycling of plastics in Jersey? How effective is it?
We still see a huge amount of single use packaging being used and there needs to be more encouragement for those who seek to use alternatives. Recognise companies genuinely doing something and hit companies like Barclays when they make 40,000 plastic Ducks to give out!
I would suggest a levy on goods being placed in packing which can be redeemed by those returning quantities to a collection point. Perhaps some charities could handle the processing and receive a percentage in return.
- What else could Jersey be doing? Are you aware of any plastic reduction initiatives from around the world that can Jersey learn from?
The initiatives from my travels and local experience are often misguided. The intention is there but the effectiveness of the action taken is often minimal. Much of our Island never gets cleaned of plastic. Bins and waste disposal points are badly designed. Constantly people put what they think is recyclable into a plastic bin. Non-recyclables should be collected as well, as at least this simplifies the sorting process. There are things that get thrown away that could be recycle e.g. Tins, cardboard, food but places handling such items are few and far between. Parishes lack the ability to process waste, litter and pollution.
We put up with far too much litter and other forms of pollution ranging from exhaust emissions to even noise. We have a metropolis mentality ignoring the experiences of other capitals and conurbations. Sadly, the chance to do something good got lost along the economic drive to make money and not improve the underlying need for healthy living.