News on Surrey's Greener Future

April 22^nd marks Earth Day, an event to highlight the importance of environmental protection. The theme for 2024 is ‘Planet vs Plastics’ to raise awareness of the health risk that plastics, especially single use plastic and consider the impact of fast fashion.

What are the health risks of plastic pollution?

Plastic is not biodegradable and stays in the environment for a long time. When plastics do break down, they form small fragments known as microplastics. These small fragments are found almost everywhere in our environment, and the health impacts are not yet fully understood.

Plastics can also cause harm to wildlife as many animals mistake plastic for food or become trapped or injured by plastic waste.

How does plastic pollution impact Surrey?

Research suggests that during 2023, approximately 8,000 tonnes of recyclable waste was found in rubbish bins across Surrey. It’s important to ensure recycling is placed in the correct bin as to ensure we can recycle as much as possible.

The Surrey Environment Partnership website has a whole host of information on how to recycle different items across the county.

How can people get involved and take action?

If you’d like to take action this Earth Day, the list below has some inspiration:

• Reduce plastic waste – One of the best ways to do this is to avoid unnecessary and single-use plastic. If you have to use plastic in some capacity, then it’s best ones to use a reusable alternative such as reusable water bottles and reusable food containers.
• Reduce contribution to fast fashion – Fast fashion is responsible for approximately 10% of carbon emissions worldwide. Buying used clothes and shopping at sustainable fashion brands can help to reduce the impact.
• Changing your diet to plant-based – This one can be a big change, but if you’re able to change your diet to a more environmentally friendly diet, this can help reduce emissions and help protect the earth.

Take part this Earth Day event and to help Surrey, and the world a better place to live, not only for ourselves but for future generations to come.