More than 300m tonnes of plastic is produced across the world every year and half of that is for single-used purposes and members of Wirral Chamber are now pledging to take action

Wirral businesses are are joining the campaign to eradicate single-use plastics.

More than 300m tonnes of plastic is produced across the world every year and half of that is for single-used purposes – everyday items such as cotton buds. And more than 8m tonnes of plastic is dumped in the oceans annually, putting wildlife at risk.

At Wirral Chamber of Commerce’s energy and environmental Forum, businesses pledged to join the campaign to eradicate single-use Plastics locally and nationally. There was a consensus that urgent solutions are needed to address the issue.

Young representatives from Town Lane Primary School told those present that “small hands can change the world” in a bid for more emphasis on education, not just at school but within all of our lives regardless of age. 

Businesses were shown evidence of how plastic is ending up in our lakes, rivers and oceans where it posed a threat to whales, dolphins, turtles and seabirds as well as countless other marine creatures.

Following the forum, hosted at the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton, business owners were inspired immediately to gear up and take part in a beach clean of New Brighton Beach – Collecting many bags of plastic bottles and general litter which could have cause great damage to the local environment.

Paula Basnett chief executive at Wirral Chamber, said: “Wirral Chamber of Commerce is absolutely committed to reducing the need for single-used-plastics locally and nationally. Our business community recognises the importance of securing not just the local economy, but also our local environment.

“Through our energy and environmental sector, Wirral’s Businesses will be informed of the issues surrounding plastic waste and the impact it can have on our local environment. Collectively, working with our public sector partners we will campaign hard to secure Wirral as a thriving, growing green economy for all to enjoy.”