Tide of plastic on precious beaches
LIVING in Cornwall, there are fantastic opportunities for teenagers like me to go surfing. But recently, I have been appalled at the amount of plastic litter I have found on once-pristine beaches, such as Gwithian, near St Ives. I have become a beach clean leader for Surfers Against Sewage, the marine conservation charity. Volunteer work is part of the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s award that is required for my apprenticeship at Pendennis shipyard. I visit different areas of the coastline and organise groups to clean the beaches — I hope to inspire others to give up some of their time each week to help protect our beautiful coastline. When plastic bags, bottles and packaging are consumed by marine life it can prove fatal. Nets and rope drift in the water, entangling fish. We need new legislation to ensure fishing vessels keep track of their equipment and not jettison it in the sea. Furthermore, more effort should be made to replace plastic packaging with biodegradable alternatives. And there should be substantial fines for people who are caught littering on and off our shores.
JACK LORD, 19, Hayle, Cornwall. MY GRANDSON Mark Barney has a number of health conditions, but that doesn’t stop him from organising monthly litter picks in his area. The Mayor of Witney has taken part, but our former MP David Cameron did not turn up to help. Think of Mark and his work the next time you are tempted to throw away a can or crisp packet.
Mrs Y. Jarman, Witney, Oxon.