Almost 80% Of Brits Are Trying To Use Less Plastic

According to a new study, Brits are concerned about plastic pollution more than ever. 

The survey commissioned by City to Sea and Friends of the Earth on the nationally representative poll of 2,000 adults, found nearly 80 per cent of Britons are taking steps to use less plastic. 

Sixty-three per cent would like to do more about plastic pollution but claim that the most significant barrier is a lack of alternatives.

Seventy-four per cent would like to see more 'refill' options available for all kinds of products, from foods to cleaning products and cosmetics.  

Two-thirds of Brits said that they would prefer the cafes and other businesses which offer reusable and refillable options.

About 55 per cent think that retail giants and big brands are not doing enough to address plastic pollution by offering refillable, reusable or packaging-free products.

"We need nothing short of a refill revolution. We need business and government to have reduction, reuse and refill as their absolute priority," said Jo Morley, of plastic pollution campaign group City to Sea, which commissioned the survey with Friends of the Earth (FOE).

"The results are in and couldn't be clearer: public support for a world where plastic pollution isn't choking our oceans, landscapes and wildlife is rebounding," added FOE campaigner Camilla Zerr.

The poll also found that 92 per cent are concerned about plastic pollution – while 81 per cent of Brits want the UK government to make refillable products easier to buy and more widely available as a main priority for reducing plastic pollution.

Nina Schrank, Senior Plastics Campaigner at Greenpeace UK, said: "The pandemic has seen a resurgence in plastic waste as food outlets have backed throwaway items instead of reusables. But we know thanks to experts from across the world that reusables like cups are safe to use so long as they are thoroughly washed."

"Food chains and governments must step up, shift us away from using plastic for throwaway items like disposable cutlery, and at the very least make that step back to good old fashioned reusable cups, plates and cutlery."

The poll also found that three-quarters of Brits experienced feelings of anxiety, frustration or hopelessness at the amount of plastic that comes with their shopping.

City to Sea organisation suggests retailers should promote refillable products within their stores and make it easy for the consumers to choose more packaging-free options. Commercial centre bars, restaurants and beer gardens should use 'good old fashioned' cutlery and glasses to serve the customers on-site and allow customers to bring reusable containers for takeaway orders to limit single-use plastics. 

Other European countries have already implemented similar rules. In France for example, 20 per cent of shelf space would be dedicated to 'Refill Stations' by 2030.