Report proposes five principles to reduce use of plastics

A new report sets out how we must focus on reducing our dependence on single-use items and highlights the impact the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic has had on people’s behaviour.
A single use plastic cup littering the streets is just one of issues looked at in the report.A single use plastic cup littering the streets is just one of issues looked at in the report.
A single use plastic cup littering the streets is just one of issues looked at in the report.

It proposes five principles that can be used to consider how single-use items like plastic cups and cutlery can be reduced or replaced with alternatives to help support Scotland’s journey to net zero.

It is the second report to be published by a panel of experts. Their first report, on disposable cups, recommended a charge should be introduced.

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The panel’s second suite of advice is intended to provide long-term support to decision making on reducing or removing single-use items from circulation.

Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: “We were making substantial progress against single-use plastics before the pandemic and await evidence about the extent to which it has changed public attitudes.

“What is clear is that we must learn from our experience of lockdown – how we work, how we travel, how we live – and apply this to our approach to becoming a net-zero society.

“As this report points out, a thriving and vibrant economy will play a critical role in ending Scotland’s contribution to climate change, and we must all – government, businesses, industry and individuals – be a part of driving this forward at every opportunity.”

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