HOW TO REDUCE MICROPLASTICS IN OUR WATER

Reduce single-use plastics. Plastic bags, bottles and cups that cannot be recycled often end up in landfill or being washed into waterways.

Avoid microbeads. Despite the ban on new products containing microbeads coming into force this year look out for cosmetic items that may still contain them.

Avoid excessive washing of synthetic fabrics. It has been shown that a single polyester fleece jacket can release more than 1,900 plastic fibres per wash

Recycle more. Recycling rates in England have increased by just 2.2per cent since 2010. At present only 43.7per cent of household waste is recycled.

Volunteer for clean-ups of beaches or rivers.