Whether it’ s through poorly managed refuse centres, rubbish left on the beach by visitors, or litter travelling through our waterways to the ocean – the fact of the matter is that there is an estimated 8 million tonnes of plastic entering the oceans every year. Ocean plastics is a global problem we can’ t afford to ignore. The startling findings of a recent report suggested that by 2050 there could be more plastic than fish in the sea. It’ s abundantly clear that we simply need to produce less plastic waste.”
Dr Sue Kinsey at the Marine Conservation Society told us,“ Plastic items such as bottles and packaging in our seas and on our coasts are a menace to wildlife particularly as they start to break down, as they can be eaten by animals at all stages of the food chain and add to the microplastic load of the oceans.”
Meredith’ s Top Tips for reducing plastic use. 1. Bring your own shopping bag, every time. 2. Say NO to straws, every time. Buy your own paper / steel / glass straws. 3. Don’ t use toothpaste or shower gel with micro beads in. 4. Buy bamboo toothbrushes, shop around and you can find them for the same price as plastic ones. 5. Don’ t buy bottled water. Take a flask. 6. Buy things packed in cardboard or glass. In the supermarket look out for recyclable packaging. 7. Buy cloth nappies.( Meredith had cloth nappies!) 8. Don’ t chew gum. It’ s made of synthetic rubber which is a type of plastic and is non recyclable and not biodegradable. 9. Reuse plastic. Soup pots make good flower pots. Butter pots are great for keeping craft bits in. 10. Choose wooden toys wherever possible. Don’ t throw plastic toys away, give them to other children or charity.
On the Button also spoke to some experts on the subject. We asked Will McCallum who is Head of Oceans at Greenpeace, about why plastic in the ocean is a problem and how it gets there in the first place. He explained that,“ Plastic in the ocean harms marine life on an all too regular basis. Animals can become entangled, suffocated, or even starved by the presence of plastic litter in their home environment.
minty films
Jodie Chillery is a television producer who has filmed in places that vary from the Himalayas to fishing trawlers in the English Channel for the BBC, Channel 4, ITV, C5 and most of the others! Jodie started Minty films and produces intimate heartfelt short films for communities, individuals, charities, artists, start ups, small businesses & social enterprises. The films tell powerful, engaging stories that need to be told whether that be for promotional purposes, raising awareness or for fundraising.
mintyfilms. org
The Marine Conservation Society also praised Meredith and told us what an inspirational young person they thought she was. The MCS are running a plastic challenge – Meredith and her family are going to take up the challenge – maybe we could get some more Arlesey families to take up the challenge too see here for details: www. mcsuk. org / plasticchallenge and do let us know how you get on it would be great to monitor your progress!
news
People in the community have asked why there appear to be fewer meetings of council committees nowadays. A good question! On some occasions there is insufficient meaningful business to be undertaken, so holding a meeting because‘ that’ s what we do on the first Tuesday of the month’ is not warranted. Councillor’ s time is given voluntarily and all have jobs and families vying for their attention. So, councillors are using their time to proactively get involved in issues and opportunities in and for the community. Currently, for example, we are seeking to understand the strategy of a local housing association which is considering replacing rented garages with social housing. We meet with them early in the process so residents and full council may make informed representations when the consultations commence.
We are actively involved in addressing alleged planning breaches that caused much distress to the community last autumn and are working to ensure such actions are not repeated. We are representing the council and community at the Masterplan stakeholder meetings, ensuring Arlesey’ s voice is heard. We are liaising with other bodies including the Police and commercial vehicle operators to make our congested streets safer. These proactive initiatives we feel are the best use of our councillors time and skills. Of course reports from and any decisions on these matters are taken at our full council meetings or as necessary committee meetings.
All meetings of the Council are publicised on the website, social media and ATC noticeboards. We would actively encourage members from the community to attend. Alternatively, please do contact us or via Susan or Janet in the Office to discuss any local matter and we will do our best to help.
www. facebook. com / groups / onthebutton / | # infoonthebutton | on the button issue 47 July 2016
9