How you can reduce plastic pollution

As the government pledges to eliminate all avoidable plastic waste within 25 years, Closer looks at what we can do to help

This horrifying T image of a sea turtle who grew into a deformed figure of eight after years trapped in discarded drinks’ packaging, brings home the harsh reality of plastic pollution blighting our seas.

But action is finally being taken – 25 years after this iconic picture was taken. The UK government have just announced a plan to cut all avoidable plastic waste by 2042, and supermarket Iceland last week vowed to eliminate plastic from its own-brand products within five years. But there’s still so much more to be done.

Last month, the United Nations warned that marine life was facing “irreparable damage” as a result of plastic pollution. Research shows that more than 1,000 turtles are still being killed each year after getting trapped in packaging and crates.

And in November, viewers of BBC1’S Blue Planet II were moved by heartbreaking scenes that saw a whale mourning her dead newborn, which may have been poisoned by traces of plastic in her milk.

Despite the material only existing for 70 years, our planet is shockingly already littered with more than eight billion tonnes of it – which can take up to 450 years to decompose. Meanwhile, many plastics, particularly coloured packaging, can’t be recycled – meaning they end up being burnt or going to landfill.

But experts say we can all make a difference in the fight against waste.

Libby Peake, from environment think tank Green Alliance, says, “The government’s 25-year plan is very welcome, but we do need to take action today if we’re to really make a difference. If we all contribute by making small changes, like carrying reusable water bottles and coffee cups, it can make a huge difference.”

Closer reveals some of the surprisingly easy ways you can help…