Councillors take the plastic pledge

Cumbria county councillors have made a commitment to reduce their use of plastic at their Full Council meeting in Kendal today.

In recent months, the issue of single use plastics has been brought into focus through significant attention via the national and local media. This has led to a surge in popular opinion around the issue and an opportunity for everyone to consider taking action in this area - Cumbria County Council included.

Cumbria, like every other county up and down the country, generates an awful lot of rubbish - around 250,000 tonnes every year. The council has been committed to a sustained programme of reducing waste for a number of years through service developments, raising awareness and encouraging householders to reduce, reuse and recycle.

What seem like small measures can have a huge impact. As such the county council has now removed all single use plastic cups from its eight main buildings and improved the signage and locations of recycling facilities in its offices so staff are encouraged to recycle instead of using general waste bins.

There is a pledge scheme in Cumbria known as "Plastic Clever Cumbria" which allows people the opportunity to find out how, and make a commitment to, reduce their use of plastic. It's still very new but already lots of Cumbrians have signed up to make the pledge.

Councillor Celia Tibble, Cumbria County Council Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “I would like to make a personal pledge to be more "Plastic Clever". There are lots of things we can do that will make a big difference. For my part, I will use my reusable water bottle, I'll refuse plastic straws when offered, I'll take a reusable cloth bag when I go shopping, I’ll use reusable tubs as often as I can, and I'll encourage others to do the same. 

“Individually we can make small changes but together they can make a big difference and we can all help contribute towards a more Plastic Clever Cumbria.”

For more information about Plastic Clever visit http://beplasticclever.co.uk/