ALAN MAK: Cutting out single-use plastics for Lent

Alan Mak MP pledging his support for Sky Ocean Rescue campaign to #PassOnPlastic, a commitment to reduce his single-use plastic consumption
CREDIT: Stephen Lock / i-Images
Image licensed to i-Images Picture Agency. — Alan Mak MP pledging his support for Sky Ocean Rescue campaign to #PassOnPlastic, a commitment to reduce his single-use plastic consumption CREDIT: Stephen Lock / i-Images Image licensed to i-Images Picture Agency.

Just like many of you, I’ve decided to take-up a challenge this Lent, but instead of giving-up chocolates or crisps, I’ve decided to try and cut out harmful single-use plastics.

It’s not going to be easy, but I’m determined to take action to protect our environment and oceans, joining with more than 40 other MPs in taking the pledge.

Together we are cutting down on the use of plastic water bottles, using refillable coffee cups, avoiding using plastic cutlery, and buying loose fruit and vegetables free from plastic packaging.

The aim is to raise awareness about the difficulties consumers face in going plastic-free in everyday life. Often, we don’t have the option in the supermarket to buy plastic-free products.

Sadly, not enough of that supermarket-generated plastic is being recycled, and it is devastating our marine wildlife.

Every year, 12m tons of plastic waste enters the world’s oceans – that’s a rubbish truck every minute.

The amount of marine litter is increasing so much that floating continents have formed – one, in the Pacific Ocean, is bigger than France.

Not only is it an environmental problem but it hits the economy, for instance it costs fisheries £62m annually, and one-in-three fish caught in the English Channel contains pieces of plastic.

Thankfully the government is taking action. It recently unveiled its 25-year plan for improving the environment, outlining the ways in which the government will work with communities and businesses to leave the environment in a better state for future generations.

The plan includes a pledge to eliminate all avoidable plastic waste by the end of 2042.

While over the next six weeks it’s going to be tough to reduce my plastics use, I hope to show that it can be done, and together we can help reduce our plastic footprint and help protect the environment for future generations.

Don’t forget, my third Havant Jobs, Apprenticeships and Careers Fair is taking place on Friday, March 9 from 10am to 3pm at Havant Leisure Centre.

Hundreds of jobs and apprenticeships will be available from local employers.

Visit alanmak.org.uk/jobsfair2018 for more information.