CITY council chiefs are encouraging local cafes, takeaways and restaurants to take action now in the light of Government proposals to phase out single-use plastic plates, cutlery, polystyrene cups and food and beverage containers.
According to estimates, England uses 1.1billion single-use plates and 4.25billion items of single-use cutlery — most of which are plastic — per year, but only 10 per cent are recycled upon disposal.
The Government recently ran a 12-week public consultation on proposals to phase out single-use plastic plates, cutlery, polystyrene cups and food and beverage containers.
It has already banned plastic straws, stirrers and cotton buds.
A number of local businesses, including The Paul Pry, Taste of Portugal, Francini Café de Columbia and Waylands Yard, have already taken action and have been awarded ‘Plastic Free Champion’ status by the Plastic Free Worcester campaign group.
“There is growing recognition of the damage that plastics cause to our environment and marine life in particular,” said Coun Andy Stafford, chair of Worcester City Council’s Environment Committee.
“We encourage Worcester cafes, bars and restaurants to make changes now, as the Government has signalled its intention to prohibit a much wider range of single-use plastic products in the near future.”
“These companies really show that moving to being Plastic Free is not only do-able but also good for business. They have championed the cause with customers, staff and suppliers and have demonstrated what can be achieved.
“We’re now encouraging others to follow their lead,” says Peter Robinson from the Plastic Free Worcester campaign group,” he added.
A plastic item used for a few minutes can persist in the environment for hundreds of years and endanger wildlife and habitats. When broken down into microplastics, it reaches our soils, waterways, ocean and food chains within them.
Those who want to become a plastic-free business is asked to look at where they use single use plastic in production or retail work.
Pick up to three items which they think could be altered, removed or replaced and find alternatives from existing suppliers or on the internet.
For advice and support, contact Plastic Free Worcester via their Facebook page or e-mail Peter Robinson at [email protected].
