Turning the tide on plastic pollution: How you can make a difference this September

This post is greater than 6 months old - links may be broken or out of date. Proceed with caution!

By Liberty Turrell, Great British Beach Clean Administrator

As we approach World Cleanup Day this September, it is crucial to turn our attention to a global environmental crisis: the immense volume of plastic waste polluting our beaches and ocean. This not only threatens marine ecosystems, but the array of benefits – coastal protection, carbon storage, food production, recreational value – they provide.

For the countryside, environmental, and wildlife conservation sectors, understanding and addressing this problem is paramount. We all have a role to play in mitigating plastic pollution, advocating sustainable practices, and implementing effective policies to protect our marine environments for future generations.

But first, we need to look at the scale and sources of the plastic polluting our seas and beaches.

Sources of plastic pollution

The key types of plastic pollution impacting marine ecosystems are single-use plastics, from water bottles and crisp packets to carrier bags and straws. Disposable smoking products such as cigarette butts and single-use vapes are also commonly recorded in blue spaces.

Last year, Marine Conservation Society volunteers removed more than 17,000kg of litter from across the UK and Channel Islands. Overall, 480,343 litter items were collected, and the findings highlight where urgent action is needed.

Three of the top five litter items were single-use plastics, accounting for 17% of all litter. Among these items were plastic bottles and lids, which were also found on 92% of inland cleans. Ninety-seven percent of beach cleans recorded drinks-related items, with an average of 16 items per 100 metres. Sewage-related litter is another major issue, with items such as wet wipes, cotton bud sticks and sanitary products recorded on 72% of surveyed beaches across the UK and Channel Islands in 2023.

These findings demonstrate the urgent need to make the change to a circular economy, introduce Deposit Return Schemes and reduce our reliance on single-use plastics. These steps are essential for a heathier, better-protected marine environment.

The impact on marine life

Marine pollution is one of the five main drivers of the current biodiversity crisis, threatening 37% of marine mammals with extinction. Plastic often makes its way from land into the ocean through wind, water streams and sewage systems. Its durability means that plastic persists in the environment for long periods of time, breaking up into smaller pieces and harming marine life which can ingest or become entangled in it.

Transitioning to a circular economy

To tackle the plastic pollution crisis, we must transition from a linear make-use-throw-away system to one where the products are reused, repaired, or repurposed. This means changing our approach to single-use plastics by shifting to products which are designed to have longer lifespans and using materials that
minimise waste and can be reused.

By moving towards a circular economy, we can reduce plastic pollution, alleviate the pressure on marine ecosystems and support the sustainability of industries that depend on a clean ocean. This leads to a more resilient and environmentally sensitive economy which benefits people, wildlife, and the planet.

Take action this September

On Friday 20th September, millions of volunteers across 191 countries will be taking part in World Cleanup Day, a global citizen science initiative that aims to tackle the waste crisis affecting our natural environments – both inland and at sea.

This year’s World Cleanup Day also marks the start of the Great British Beach Clean, an annual event organised by the Marine Conservation Society which takes place from the 20th - 29th September. Like World Cleanup Day, the Great British Beach Clean aims to combat pollution, with thousands of volunteers across the UK and Channels collecting and recording litter they find on beaches. This helps track the types of litter polluting UK beaches, enabling the Marine Conservation Society to campaign for changes to reduce it and feeding into the International Coastal Clean-up.

The data collected by volunteers during the annual Great British Beach Clean has been influential in achieving changes in policy to reduce marine pollution, including the introduction of carrier bag charges and banning microplastics in personal care products as well as the recent bans on single-use plastic items and wet wipes containing plastic.

By joining the Great British Beach Clean, you can gather vital data on the litter polluting our coast and drive positive change for a cleaner, healthier planet.

How to get involved in the Great British Beach Clean

• Join a beach clean in your area: Simply enter your postcode and find a clean taking place near you.
• Organise a beach clean: Take the lead by organising a beach clean event with your community group, or family and friends.
• Corporate support: Showcase your business’s commitment to environmental stewardship by promoting beach clean events and by taking part in or organising a beach clean for your team
  

   
By taking part in or supporting the Great British Beach Clean and World Cleanup Day, you’re contributing to a vital global effort to combat plastic pollution. These initiatives provide an opportunity to drive meaningful change and foster a culture of sustainability and environmental stewardship. Each action helps to protect our marine ecosystems, support biodiversity, and ensure a cleaner and healthier ocean for future generations.

This September let’s leverage our collective expertise to make a significant impact. Your involvement matters, and together we can achieve lasting positive change for our ocean.

Find out more about how you can get involved with this year’s Great British Beach Clean here, or email clare.trotman@mcsuk.org to register your interest and discuss your involvement.

More from Marine Conservation Society