Scientists predict that by 2050, if we don’t change our ways, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish.
Plastic waste is expected to rise by 20% in the next 20 years.
Up to 7 million coffee cups are thrown away every day in the UK.
Greater Manchester has launched the first city-region wide plan to drive down avoidable single-use plastics!
PlasticFreeGM asks businesses, organisations and individuals to pledge to take action to reduce avoidable single use plastics across Greater Manchester. PlasticFreeGM works with campaigning partners to provide information and advice to guide more sustainable choices.
A number of sector specific campaigns are taking off to offer relevant support and information on reducing single use plastics. Find out more below.
PlasticFreeGM will work through the ‘worst offenders’ in terms of avoidable single use plastics (straws, stirrers, takeaway containers and cutlery, etc) and offers advice and guidance on how to make more sustainable, low carbon choices.
Our factsheets will talk through the minefield that is biodegradable, oxo-degradable and compostable materials and offer you the best advice on making a change.
We will share best practice and case studies of businesses and organisations in Greater Manchester who are taking action, and inspiring change.
The PlasticFreeGM campaign is delivered by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) in partnership with many organisations and individuals across Greater Manchester.
The progress of the campaign will be overseen by a steering group and board at the GMCA. Further details will be available on the GMCA website.
The GMCA is working alongside a number of individuals and organisations to bring you the PlasticFreeGM campaign. Those leading on this campaign have researched, reviewed, discussed and considered as best we can the products, behaviours, systems, and choices currently available (and those that we recognise are currently lacking) in reducing single-use plastics, and in more generally shifting towards a more sustainable future. If you feel that any of the advice we are offering needs to change or can provide any key pieces of knowledge, please get in touch.
PlasticFreeGM is one campaign within a huge range of other actions in our efforts to lower our city-regions carbon footprint, and move towards carbon neutrality. We also aim to reduce energy use, pollution, and support Greater Manchester in becoming a more sustainable place to work, live and visit.
We are asking businesses, organisations and individuals to pledge to take action to reduce avoidable single-use plastics across Greater Manchester.
Your support can make a real difference.
Scientists predict there will be
250 million metric tons of plastic
in the ocean and by 2050.
More plastic in the oceans
than there are fish.
It is estimated that somewhere between 5 billion - 9 billion single-use plastic straws are thrown away in the UK every year
Plastic straws are used on
average for 20 minutes, but can
take over 400 years to degrade.
