Act now to stop plastic pollution in our rivers
VIEWPOINTS Write to: Viewpoints, M.E.N, Mitchell Henry House, Hollinwood Avenue, Oldham, OL9 8EF Or email: viewpoints@men-news.co.uk
THE dreadful news has been reported that the River Tame has the worst microplastic problem in the world.
This microplastic problem affects a large area of the north west. The River Tame runs into the River Mersey, which in turn runs into the Irish Sea.
Everyone, all of the residents along the length of both the River Tame and the River Mersey, must now act.
This means that everyone in Saddleworth, Tameside, Stockport and all the other boroughs that follow the course of the Mersey must now take action, and this includes Merseyside. What can residents do? The answer is take drastic action. Completely ban all river and stream races involving plastic ducks.
Within Tameside and Saddleworth this is a popular event, but look at the long-term effects of holding a duck race on your local river. Pollution of the worst kind.
Completely stop the use of plastic fishing lines and flies on our rivers, canals and reservoirs.
Put an immediate end to your own use of unnecessary plastic.
Don’t wait for Theresa May to introduce legislation.
This means no plastic straws, no plastic stirrers, no plastic cutlery. No take-away cups of coffee with plastic lids.
Instead, use cafés that serve you in a cup or a mug. No more takeaway foods in plastic containers. No plastic coat hangers. The list is endless.
Lobby your locally-elected representatives, councillors and MPs.
Write to chain stores, supermarkets, breweries and milk providers asking them to immediately stop the use of all unnecessary plastic, bags, tickets on clothing, drinks bottles.
We need to make drastic changes to our lifestyles if we are to save the River Tame for your children and grandchildren.
Do not wait until all wildlife, ducks, geese, herons, fish are extinct on the River Tame. Rita Vaughan A resident who lives near the River Tame