The campaign against plastic pollution has been boosted following decision by one council to commit to a campaign to highlight the dangers of plastic pollution, to reduce its use and to work towards minimising its own use of non-recyclable materials.
At a meeting of Cherwell District Council this week, members were reported to have “rallied round” a motion warning of the dangers of plastic pollution and committed to their own campaign to reduce it.
The motion passed now commits Cherwell to reviewing its use of plastic during its day-to-day procurement activities and to working towards minimising its use of non-recyclable materials. The council will also be launching a publicity campaign to increase awareness of the problem.
Cllr Debbie Pickford, Cherwell’s lead member for clean and green, said: “I want to make Cherwell a leader in the fight against plastic pollution. It is a council priority to make the district cleaner and greener, and moreover, it’s what the people of Cherwell deserve.
“We will be reviewing our own use of plastic to cut the impact of our day-to-day activities, and will be stepping up our campaigning on the issue, to cut plastic littering and encourage residents to reduce their plastic use.”
In January, Cherwell announced that it is operating the Refill Bicester and Banbury campaign, which aims to reduce consumption of plastic water bottles. To complement this work, the motion passed this week will also see Cherwell consult with town and parish councils to investigate the possibility of installing water fountains throughout the district.