{"alias":"blogEntry","byline":"Words: Annabel Rose | Photography: Joby Sessions | Thanks to 1st Keynsham Chiltern Cub Pack","standfirst":"Planet Earth is drowning under the weight of the plastic that humans have created. But there are things all of us can do to make a difference and try to turn the tide before it\u2019s too late","content":{"layouts":[{"type":"mediaBlock","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"gtmId","gtmClass":"gtmClass","image":"/media/2067/plastics_repurpose-min.jpg","width":1197,"height":747,"altText":"Cubs undertaking plastics experiments","caption":"","link":null}]}],"config":null},{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003ESince the first synthetic polymer was invented 150 years ago, it\u2019s become almost impossible to imagine a world without plastic. From the wrappers on our cereal bars to colouring pens and lunchboxes, plastic is everywhere: in our homes, schools, workplaces and meeting places. It\u2019s even hiding where you might not expect, in some tea bags, glitter and chewing gum.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBut convenience comes with a price. Getting rid of plastic when we\u2019ve finished with it is a major issue; some estimates suggest that up to half of our plastic is single-use. Landfill sites have limited capacity and can\u2019t deal with the amount of rubbish we\u2019re producing, while plastic waste is polluting our oceans.\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003EAs much as 8 million tonnes of plastic ends up in the sea every year \u2013 some blows from land, some is carried by rivers, and some is flushed down the toilet. Plastic endangers animals when they get tangled in it or mistake it for food. Perhaps the biggest problem, though, is that plastic never really goes away; it takes at least 400 years to break down, but even then it doesn\u2019t truly degrade. Instead, it breaks into smaller and smaller pieces, which end up in our water supplies, food chains, and ultimately our bodies.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"quoteText":"We can all make simple changes in our lives that will start to turn the plastic tide.","attribution":"Richard Harrington, the Marine Conversation Society","gridType":"quote","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null},{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003EOur plastics problem is more prominent than ever \u2013 but what should we be doing about it? We\u2019ve all heard of the \u2018three Rs\u2019, and know that we should try to reduce, reuse and recycle, but other actions are also gaining pace. Scouts across the UK (and around the world) are going further still by taking action to refuse, repurpose, rethink, repair and reform. The Scouts have also worked alongside the Canal \u0026amp; River Trust, supported by DEFRA, to launch some new plastic pollution resources to support everyone to take action \u2013 in small ways and large.\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\u2018Our oceans are facing environmental disaster. Plastic is choking, starving and poisoning our seas and the creatures that live in them,\u2019 says Richard Harrington from the Marine Conservation Society. \u2018But we can all make simple changes and choices in our lives that will start to turn the plastic tide.\u2019\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u2018People don\u2019t always believe it,\u2019 says Amanda Keetley from Less Plastic UK, a family-run organisation based in Devon, which raises awareness of the issues caused by ocean plastic and suggests achievable ways people can cut their plastic usage. \u2018But individuals can make a big difference to plastic pollution because of how our daily actions add up over time. Your daily habits add up to make a massive difference.\u2019\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003EBelow, we explore the actions each of us can take.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null},{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"accordion","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","showExpand":false,"items":[{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EThe key to reducing your plastic use is something Scouts are already good at: being prepared. Whether it\u2019s packing cutlery and cups for camp, or bringing a reusable water bottle or tote bag, being prepared is the first step to a plastic-free life. Instead of clingfilm, try using foil (clean aluminium foil can often be recycled), tubs or boxes, or investing in some natural eco-wraps.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAs Scouts, woggles are an important part of our uniform \u2013 but with over half a million Scouts in the UK, they make up a lot of plastic. Getting rid of all our woggles isn\u2019t always the most helpful thing to do. Instead, why not ask those moving on from your section if they\u2019d like to pass their woggle down to a new Scout, or look into alternatives to phase in? You could encourage them to tie their necker using a friendship knot or use a plastic-free cord to tie a sailor knot.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Reduce"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EPlenty of other small changes can also help in the fight against plastic pollution, like politely refusing non-essential or single-use plastic items, including plastic cutlery with a sandwich, or plastic straws (if you don\u2019t need one).\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBuying fruit or vegetables that aren\u2019t wrapped in plastic, choosing biodegradable glitter, and avoiding individually wrapped snacks can quickly reduce the amount of\u003Cspan style=\u0022cursor: text;\u0022\u003E \u003C/span\u003Eplastic you throw away every day.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAs people start to realise how important it is to refuse plastic use, exciting ideas are emerging. The Refill campaign is working with water companies and other businesses to install refill stations in public places, making it easier to fill your water bottle when you\u2019re out and about. Other innovative solutions include Ooho! \u2013 edible packaging for liquid that\u2019s made from seaweed extract.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Refuse"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EPlastic bags (and bags for life) can, of course, be reused lots of times \u2013 you could even try repurposing a plastic wet wipe container to store them in. If you end up buying a plastic bottle of water, reuse this too \u2013 just make sure you wash bottles regularly, and recycle them if they become damaged.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ELike many of the clothes we wear, Scout uniforms contain plastic. This means they shed tiny pieces of plastic (microplastics) when they\u2019re washed \u2013 and newer clothes shed more than older ones. Plastic and energy are also used in the production and transportation of our clothes, so try to avoid wasting these resources.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EReusing clothes is a great way to help \u2013 and save some money. When young people move on to a new section (or grow out of their uniforms), suggest they give their old uniforms to younger siblings or friends, or ask if there\u2019s already a system in place for passing on pre-loved uniforms.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Reuse"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EBut what if things are broken and can\u2019t be reused? Scouts have plenty of the skills needed to fix things, from practical skills using a hammer or glue, to the patience, teamwork and determination to get the project done.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThanks to developments in technology, we also have inventions that make mending things easier \u2013 like Sugru, a mouldable glue that sets into silicone rubber. You can use Sugru to mend a range of different things \u2013 from shoes to phone chargers to fridge drawers.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u2018Sugru was invented to get people fixing and making things again,\u2019 says Jane n\u00ED Dhulchaointigh, Sugru\u2019s inventor, founder and fixer-in-chief. \u2018Sugru can save items from landfill by prolonging their lifespan, as well as allowing customisation to reflect the specific needs of individuals.\u2019 It\u2019s often possible to mend clothes and uniforms with basic sewing skills \u2013 ones many Scouts already have from sewing on their badges. With some basic DIY skills, you could even fix items like furniture \u2013 this could be part of a DIY Activity Badge.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESometimes, we don\u2019t have the skills to repair items \u2013 we need an expert. In 2009, Martine Postma started Repair Caf\u00E9, where people share their skills and fix items together. Now with over 1,600 Repair Caf\u00E9s in over 30 countries, they\u2019re a worldwide phenomenon. Whether you\u2019ve got a broken chair in Ghana, a broken printer in South Korea or a broken radio in Azerbaijan, you can find a Repair Caf\u00E9 to save your item being thrown away.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ECrucially, the volunteers at a Repair Caf\u00E9 don\u2019t just fix things you leave behind. While they mend, you sit and talk, getting to know them, explaining your item, and providing an extra hand to hold screws or tools. We\u2019re fortunate to have many Repair Caf\u00E9s in the UK, so the next time something breaks, why not ask for help fixing it, while helping to fix our plastic problem at the same time? \u2018Repair Caf\u00E9 will open your eyes to the possibilities of repair,\u2019 says Martine. \u2018Come and give it a try!\u2019\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Repair"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EWhen items are too broken or worn out to be reused, repaired or repurposed, recycling is the last resort. The town of Kamikatsu, in Japan, is an inspiring example of a community striving to live a zero-waste lifestyle. Their goal is to be waste-free by 2020. As well as\u003Cspan style=\u0022cursor: text;\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cem\u003Ekuru kuru\u003C/em\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022cursor: text;\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003Eshops, where you can leave unwanted items and take others for free, and a factory that upcycles old clothes into teddy bears, bags and clothes, everyone recycles as much as they can.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOver 80% of Kamikatsu\u2019s waste is recycled, because residents carefully wash their rubbish and separate it into 45 categories. It hasn\u2019t always been easy to get everyone on board. When the idea was first introduced 15 years ago people were opposed to it, but gradually adapted their behaviour. When recycling becomes normal, it turns into a habit. We don\u2019t have to separate our recycling very much \u2013 and very few of us have to separate it into 45 categories. If you live in England or Wales, you can use the government website to find out exactly what you can and can\u2019t recycle at home; recycle for Scotland and recyclenow will tell you what to recycle if you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland. While you should always check the rules for where you live, following these three tips will take your recycling efforts to the next level.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul style=\u0022cursor: text; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none;\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli style=\u0022cursor: text;\u0022\u003EHave a dedicated place to store recycling, and make sure that everyone in your meeting place, home or office knows where it is. Keeping it next to your bin reminds everyone to think before they throw.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli style=\u0022cursor: text;\u0022\u003EAlways wash your recycling. Even if you put the correct items in your recycling, contamination (like food waste) could potentially ruin a whole load of recycling, condemning it to landfill. To save water, wash your recycling at the end of doing the washing up.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli style=\u0022cursor: text;\u0022\u003ESquash your recycling. By breaking down bulky items like cardboard boxes as much as possible, and carefully crushing cans and bottles, you can fit more into your recycling bins \u2013 and make it more energy-efficient for the vehicles that collect it.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","label":"Recycle"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EIf your plastic items can\u2019t be reused\u003Cspan style=\u0022cursor: text;\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003Eor repaired, upcycling could still save them from the bin. By adapting the item to use it for a different purpose, you\u2019re reducing waste and reducing the environmental impact of replacing it with new things. You might even find that you create something better than the item you started with.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMany companies are starting to upcycle unusual items, making bags out of bouncy castles, deckchairs from boat sails, and dog collars out of tyres. These can make really fun gifts, but there\u2019s also plenty you can do at home or as part of an activity to repurpose and upcycle \u2013 without collecting bouncy castles.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EEncourage your section to try turning a plastic bottle into a piggy bank, a plant pot, or a bird feeder. You could weave worn out plastic bags into a mat, plait them into bracelets, or use an iron to fuse them into coasters. With your creative skills (and the help of some research online or at a library), there are no limits to the treasures you could create with things that might otherwise have been thrown away.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Repurpose"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022cursor: text; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none;\u0022\u003EThere\u2019s a lot we can do in our homes, classrooms, meeting places and offices to help solve the plastics problem. At the same time, we can use our voices to bring about change on a wider scale. We can encourage people close to us to rethink their attitude towards plastic by starting a conversation and sharing useful articles or tips that have helped you. The plastics problem is big, so the solution will involve more than individuals taking action. We need companies and governments to take action, too.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Rethink"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EEvery time we buy something, we tell big companies what we think about plastic. If we can choose to buy our vegetables without plastic, or if we can pay more for plastic-free toiletries, we send companies the message that we care about the environment.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ECompanies realise that if they don\u2019t change, we\u2019ll buy from companies that do. It\u2019s important to remember that not everyone is in a position to make these kinds of choices \u2013 all anyone can do is their best.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe can also use our voices to raise awareness directly \u2013 by campaigning on a bigger scale. There are some great resources on the Scouts website, as well as on websites for other charities such as WWF, Kids Against Plastic and Greenpeace, which can help your section plan what they can do to encourage others to make a change.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u2018Before starting Kids Against Plastic, we\u2019d never really appreciated what an impact we, as the younger generation, can have,\u2019 say Amy, 15, and Ella, 13, who founded the organisation. \u2018Kids can actually have a very powerful voice, because we say things as they are and have the motive and drive to get things done (something that\u2019s sometimes lacked by our elders!).\u003Cspan style=\u0022cursor: text;\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EThis unique voice also means that we get listened to\u2026 Not only does finding your voice help to get a message you\u2019re passionate about out there, it also gives you more confidence and helps with your everyday life.\u2019\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThere are lots of ways to make your voice heard \u2013 you can choose to do something that plays to your strengths, or take on a new challenge to develop new skills for life. You can also take inspiration from some fellow Scouts, like 1st Ottery St Mary Scouts, who went to a town council meeting to encourage initiatives and events.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAmelie, 12, who took part, says: \u2018We stood up and spoke about the importance of reducing plastic waste within our town. Speaking in front of people in power was a\u0026nbsp;great experience.\u2019 The 1st Johnston Scouts used their creative skills to write and exhibit an award-winning article. They say, \u2018It was great working together learning about the problems\u2026 interviewing people and writing the article. We really enjoyed it and learnt so much \u2013 from the skills needed to be a good journalist through to the distance marine litter travels and how big the problem is across the world. So many local people had no idea until they saw our exhibition in the library, so we know we\u2019re already making a difference by raising awareness.\u2019\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe new Scout plastic pollution resources are a great way to encourage young people to take a stand against plastic. The resources were created alongside the Canal \u0026amp; River Trust, and supported by DEFRA, so have the expert information young people need to make a difference.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Reform"}]}]}],"config":null}]},"searchDescription":null,"pageType":null,"location":null,"versionDate":"09 May 2019","reviewDate":null,"furtherReading":[],"relatedLinks":[],"id":40236,"nodeName":"How to fix the plastics problem","title":"How to fix the plastics problem","type":"blogEntry","image":{"url":"/media/2132/plastics_reform-min2.jpg?width=800\u0026height=450\u0026v=1d9becd2df563d0","caption":"plastics_reform-min2.jpg","type":"jpg","size":40422,"width":697,"height":409,"altText":""},"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"How to fix the plastics problem","headerSubTitle":null,"headerCta":null,"headerCtaText":null,"headerCtaLink":null,"headerBackgroundColour":null,"showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":null},"subHeader":"What can we do to make a difference and try to turn the tide before it\u2019s too late?","browserTitle":null,"silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC80MDIzNiJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/news/2019/may/how-to-fix-the-plastics-problem/"}