Plastic
Why should I use less plastic?
Plastic made from petroleum-based production is a contributor of C02 emissions which leads to global warming and climate change. Most of the plastic that is produced is non biodegradable and will last in the environment for many centuries causing significant negative impacts to our environment, killing wildlife and damaging our health.
Each year, 400 million tonnes of plastic is produced and 40% of that is single-use — plastic we will only use once before it’s binned.
Is plastic a problem in NI and what action is being taken?
Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful (KNIB) 2022 – 2023 undertook an analysis of litter in Northern Ireland. The survey confirmed that there are 12 million pieces of litter polluting our streets at any one time at any one time. Staggeringly, it is just four producers who account for 50% of all branded litter. Based on KNIB’s analysis, it is estimated that there are over 400,000 plastic bottles littering the streets. Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful has long advocated for a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) to tackle this issue and welcomed the recent announcement of such a scheme for Northern Ireland.
Litter Composition Producer Report
What can I do… to reduce plastic use?
Meet the NIRN members working to reduce plastic use in NI and find out how to get involved.
Zero Waste North West
Zero Waste North West initially started to oppose the planned incineration plant in the Derry City Council and Strabane area. They were concerned that incineration of waste material including plastic would release pollutants into the atmosphere and have negative impacts on the health of the people of the region.
Disposable nappies are an enormous challenge as the plastic used within them is particularly difficult to break down and get rid of. Zero Waste North West appointed a Cloth Nappy Development Officer to work in the region with parents to encourage this as a more environmentally friendly alternative whilst also providing cost savings for those who adopt.
Derry City and Strabane District Council
Derry City and Strabane District Council lead the way in zero waste. They are the 1st region in UK and Ireland to adopt and Zero Waste Strategy and a Circular Economy Strategy
They proactively engage across the region on a range of activities to reduce the creation of plastic and other forms of waste and encourage individuals communities and businesses in adopting a Circular Economy
What action can you do to support your local council ?
Choose reusable water bottles.
Bring a reusable shopping bag.
Use reusable straws or enjoy drinks without one.
Bring your own takeaway cup.
Carry reusable food containers.
Sort waste correctly by placing items in the right bin.