Big coastal clean-up to rid UK beaches of plastic rubbish

APD NEWS

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Thousands of volunteers will take part in over 300 beach cleans across the UK this weekend.

The annual event by the Marine Conservation Society will help collect data on litter levels, with plastics debris by far the most common item found.

MCS's Beachwatch is the UK's biggest beach clean programme and has been running for over 20 years, but chief exec Sandy Luk says there has been an increase in public interest and engagement over the past year.

"Awareness of the public has really, really picked up because of the Sky Ocean Rescue campaign... and I think more and more people are becoming aware that we are chucking a truck-load of plastic into the sea every minute of the day," she said.

Plastic pollution affects marine life, eco systems and even human health.

Campaigners say if we do nothing by 2050, plastic in the ocean will weigh more than the fish. Unlike other materials, plastic can stay in the environment for thousands of years.

But small changes in habits can have a big impact.

A charge at supermarket checkouts, has led to a 40% drop in plastic bags found on coastlines.

Sky Ocean Rescue is now backing the introduction of deposit return schemes to revolutionise Britain's approach to recycling.

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has committed the Scottish Government to the initiative.

Plastic makes up 95% of the rubbish in our seas, mainly in the form of bags, food and drink containers, and fishing equipment.

From past studies, it is thought that as many as 90% of the world's seabirds have plastic in their stomachs.

(SKY NEWS)