Here at croydebreaks we are looking forward to welcoming guests back to North Devon. Like everyone we want to do all we can to cut back on plastics, at home and on our holidays. The following info written by Plastic Free North Devon Group outlines ways we can all do our bit:
WHAT IS THE PLASTIC PROBLEM?
Plastic is an amazing material that plays a positive role in many aspects of our modern life. However, the characteristics that make it such a useful material (its strength and durability in particular) and its chemical properties make it a toxic, hazardous substance that lasts for hundreds of years when it gets into the natural environment.
A few facts and figures:
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320+ million tonnes of new plastic are manufactured annually – this figure is increasing.
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40% of the plastic produced is for single use packaging.
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8.3 billion tonnes of plastic produced since the 1950s. Of which 9% has been recycled, 12% has been burnt and 79% is in the environment as landfill or litter.
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8 – 12 million tonnes of plastic enters the ocean annually. Of which 80% washes and blows in from the land.
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1+ million seabirds, 100,000+ sea mammals and turtles are killed annually by marine plastic pollution.
Why does it matter?
A healthy ocean is essential to a healthy planet that can support all life, and that includes us. Allowing millions of tonnes of toxic plastic waste to enter the ocean environment threatens the ecosystems that provide 50% of the oxygen we breathe and the primary source of food for 3.5 billion people.
We simply can’t keep producing this amount of plastic or allow any more of it to enter our environment.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Everybody can do their bit! We have put together a guide to help you find the most effective actions you can take depending on your situation. Whether you’re a business, community group or somebody trying to make changes in their home, we’ve got information for you, click the link below.
https://www.plasticfreenorthdevon.org/what-you-can-do-1
P.S. Looking for an eco-friendly holiday? Choose eco … choose croydebreaks – we’re a green B&B next to beautiful Croyde Beach!