Janet Finch-Saunders AM has today highlighted the environmental impact of polystyrene food packing on the beaches and wildlife of north Wales.
Over the last 10 years, the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) has collected ‘beach-watch’ data, and found that 70% is made up of plastic/polystyrene – equating to 120-280 pieces per kilometre of beach.
The MCS also found that 5%-10% of litter is comprised of fast food polystyrene waste – averaging 20 items per kilometre. This figure has trebled since 2005.
At least 700 marine species have been affected through ingestion and entanglement – of which 92% was plastic/polystyrene. 17% of these species are on the IUCN Red List.
Janet said: “Over 100 cities across the world have banned, or are in the process of banning, polystyrene food packaging. We need to look at what we can do here in Wales to address this issue and minimise harm to our environment.
“Calls have been made by a number of organisations for a levy – similar to the carrier bag charge – to reduce polystyrene-based litter.
“The success of the carrier bag charge here in Wales demonstrates that we are able to be world-leaders in tackling environmental issues head on. The Welsh Government must bring forward proactive and positive ideas to deal with this issue which is having a very real impact on our beaches and wildlife in Aberconwy and across north Wales. Species such as the harbour porpoise are at risk of swallowing pieces of polystyrene, as well as the fish that we eat.”
ENDS
Notes:
The MCS and Friends of the Earth Conwy have both called for a levy on polystyrene food packaging:
- Friends of the Earth Conwy Group - conwyllandudnofoe@yahoo.co.uk https://www.foe.co.uk/groups/conwy
Photos attached:
- Harbour Porpoise [credit: Niki Clear, Wildlife Trust Wales]
- Janet Finch-Saunders AM speaking in the Siambr, National Assembly for Wales