A key priority in my Green Spaces campaign is to reduce single-use plastics. We have seen a huge decrease in these—with single-use carrier bags being reduced in main supermarkets by over 98% and bans on items such as plastic straws. But I think Surrey can go even further - and I know this is something so many people locally care deeply about. I am therefore inviting both individuals and businesses to commit to using less single-use plastic in our everyday lives - promoting a local Plastic-Free Pledge.
There are so many ways that we can reduce the use of single plastics. These could include swapping plastic water bottles for refillable ones to cutting down on plastic waste around the house. Bringing reusable coffee cups with you when buying takeaway hot drinks also means that businesses reduce the amount of plastic they use—and indeed there are many in the constituency that offer discounts when you bring in your own cup.
Refill.org.uk provides a map to show where you can refill water bottles, receive discounts for bringing your own coffee cup, and shop with less plastic. Businesses can ensure their refill schemes are highlighted on the map here.
Zero Waste Home has also set up a map where you can search for shops where you can stock up on items such as pasta and flour with your own plastic containers.
I really want to understand more about the sorts of plastics that people are cutting down on and how they are doing it, and I am hoping to visit local businesses and schools to hear about how they are getting on. So please do sign up to the pledge below to help reduce plastic waste in Surrey.
