Listened to a really interesting podcast episode this morning, an interview with the founder of No Crap Parties, an initiative trying to normalise not giving bags of expensive plastic tat at parties. Of interest to parents of young kids, but there's also a wider discussion of #BehaviourChange and individual vs collective action and lifestyle changes as a starting point for environmental action.
https://www.asustainablelife.co.uk/187-no-crap-parties-with-charlotte-mason-curl/
France postpones a plastic cup ban by four years.
The French government postponed a ban on plastic throwaway cups by four years to 2030 because of difficulties finding alternatives.
The ban was meant to start on 1 January. But the ministry for ecological transition said the "technical feasibility of eliminating plastic from cups" following a review this year justified pushing back the deadline.
What it takes to clean up #plastic -
One of the world's most polluted cities has banned single-use plastics. It's not so easy https://apnews.com/article/nigeria-lagos-geneva-plastics-pollution-treaty-5e6358f2d8197445a45a1fee8dfff7da
#recycling #singleuseplastic #Lagos #environment #climateaction
Nigeria’s economic capital of Lagos is one of the world’s most plastic-polluted cities. Lagos state authorities last month imposed a ban on single-use plastics, but residents say weak enforcement and the absence of alternatives weaken its effectiveness. Plastic pollution has been a major source of concern in the city of more than 20 million people that generates at least 13,000 tons of waste daily. Almost a fifth of that waste is plastics. In Geneva this week, countries are negotiating a treaty to end plastic pollution.
Campaigners in Wales join national protest against plastic pollution ahead of global treaty talks
Communities across Wales will take to the coast this weekend as part of a nationwide protest against plastic pollution, organised by environmental charity Surfers Against Sewage (SAS). The People vs Plastic campaign will see demonstrators gather at Coney Beach in Porthcawl and Tywyn Beach on Saturday 19 July, demanding stronger action from the UK Government ahead of next month’s Global Plastics Treaty negotiations in Geneva.
The protests are part of a wider National Day of Action, with events planned across the UK — from beach cleans and school-led “Trash Mobs” to marches in city centres. Organisers say the goal is to pressure the government into committing to legally binding targets to reduce plastic production and pollution, and to position the UK as a global leader in tackling single-use plastics.
The Geneva talks, running from 5–14 August, follow a breakdown in negotiations last year in South Korea, where countries failed to agree on reducing plastic output. Campaigners argue that a robust treaty is essential to protect marine ecosystems and curb the environmental and health impacts of plastic waste.
Lucy Jones, who is organising the Porthcawl protest, said:
“I’m tired of seeing our beautiful coastlines polluted with plastic waste. This isn’t just about litter — it’s about protecting marine life, preserving nature for future generations, and demanding real change from industries and governments.”
Surfers Against Sewage is calling for:
The charity says over 88,000 people have taken part in 3,600 local cleans so far in 2025, collecting more than 40,000kg of rubbish through its Million Mile Clean initiative. It also supports over 400 Plastic Free Communities and 3,000 Plastic Free Schools across the UK.
Giles Bristow, Chief Executive of SAS, said:
“We are drowning in the toxic tide of plastic. The UK remains one of the worst offenders for generating single-use waste, and our government is still dawdling on action. With the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations just around the corner, we must turn up the heat.”
Related environmental stories from Swansea Bay News
Swansea Bay parks and green spaces recognised among world’s best
315 Green Flag Awards celebrate biodiversity, wellbeing and community pride across Wales.
Crown Estate funds new offshore wind supply chain programme in South Wales
£100k investment supports floating wind industry and local SMEs in the Swansea Bay City Region.
Safety works to begin at Cwmgwrach coal tip to reduce landslip risk
Natural Resources Wales begins drainage reinforcement to improve safety at disused colliery site.
New dunes planned to help keep wind-blown sand at bay
Swansea Council introduces natural windbreaks and fencing to protect beach habitats and reduce sand drift.
#campaign #ConeyBeach #plastic #Porthcawl #protest #Recycling #singleUsePlastic #SurfersAgainstSewage
UK households to be paid to return bottles & cans
A Deposit Return Scheme is set to go live in England & Northern Ireland in October 2027 for all drinks cans and plastic bottles larger than 150ml.
Not a moment too soon given the amount of them still blighting everywhere.
Between now and then, anything could happen and probably will !
Remember, we always used to do this.
#Recycling #SingleUsePlastic #DrinksCans #CircularEconomy #Sustainability #DepositReturnScheme
https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/2050365/households-paid-bottles-Tesco-Asda
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