Hi John,

This week The Big Plastic Count investigation revealed that the UK throws away 1.7 billion pieces of plastic packaging every week. 58% of it is burned, and only 17% recycled. [1] It’s leaking into our oceans and ecosystems, polluting our air, and damaging our health. 

But, we are at a critical moment in history. Next Monday, 175 countries - including the UK - are coming together to discuss a global treaty that could end plastic pollution. 

Unfortunately, the Global Plastics Treaty has not received nearly enough attention in our media, or in parliament. We can’t let this slip off our MPs’ radar. 

Will you ask your MP to pledge their support for a strong, legally-binding global target that requires all states to properly cut plastic production?

It’s incredible that so many countries are coming together to talk about plastic pollution. But plastic-producing companies like Dove, [2] and fossil fuel lobbyists, will have a seat at the table too. They could derail negotiations, meaning we miss out on a genuinely transformative treaty. 

Countries like the UK must stand up and show leadership. It’s clear that we can’t recycle our way out of this crisis. So we’re asking calling for a reduction in plastic production of at least 75% by 2040, cutting plastic at its source.

There are just two more rounds of negotiations left before the treaty is set in stone. [3] Will you write to your MP to ask them to support an ambitious global target to cut plastic production?

Plastic production and pollution comes at a high cost to our environment and health. And the poorest countries pay the highest price. [4]

So while the treaty should prioritise curbing the production of plastic, we also need to see  restrictions on the most harmful chemicals, bans on single use plastics and support for poorer countries to help tackle the problem too.

Some MPs have already called for action by joining our pledge. Make sure your MP is one of them.

Thanks for all that you do,

Laura,

Greenpeace UK

Notes: 

[1] Big Plastic Count results

[2] Greenpeace petition: Dove: Stop poisoning our planet with plastic

[3] Learn more about the negotiations - UN: Fourth session

[4] WWF: Who pays the price for plastic pollution?

Greenpeace: Waste pickers are the hidden heroes tackling the world’s plastic pollution

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