Supermarkets are facing calls to create plastic-free aisles in each of their stores in order to combat ocean pollution. The supermarket chain has been under fire for years over its use of plastic bags and other packaging that pollutes the ocean. A Plastic Planet will ask retailers to package food in biodegradable materials. Supermarkets including Tesco, Waitrose and Sainsbury’s said they would respond to the proposals once discussions with campaigners had taken place. Of the 300 million tonnes of plastic produced worldwide each year, just 12% is recyclable. Much of the waste ends up in seas where it can poison marine life. Following the success of the £0.05 ($0.06) plastic bag charge, the UK government is currently considering imposing a £0.20 charge on plastic bottles, which can be reclaimed when they are recycled.
Supermarkets are facing calls to create plastic-free aisles in each of their stores in order to combat ocean pollution. The supermarket chain has been under fire for years over its use of plastic bags and other packaging that pollutes the ocean. A Plastic Planet will ask retailers to package food in biodegradable materials. Of the 300 million tonnes of plastic produced worldwide each year, just 12% is recyclable. Much of the waste ends up in seas where it can poison marine life. Following the success of the £0.05 ($0.06) plastic bag charge, the UK government is currently considering imposing a £0.20 charge on plastic bottles, which can be reclaimed when they are recycled.