The Marine Conservation Society, based in Ross-on-Wye, is once again throwing down the gauntlet to the public to take on its ‘Plastic Challenge.’ They are asking people to give up single-use plastics for the whole of July.

Simon Reeve, TV presenter and MCS Ocean Ambassador, says “Our planet is becoming poisoned by plastic. The vast amount in our oceans has become an environmental emergency as a direct result of our throwaway society. That’s why I’m supporting thousands of people living without single use plastic this July as part of the Marine Conservation Society’s Plastic Challenge. Don’t just get depressed about plastic - stop using it!”

The charity has run the Plastic Challenge for the last four years and last year over 5,035 registered to give up using single use plastic. That includes food packaged in plastic, plastic water bottles, plastic milk bottles, shower gels, toothpaste and pasta to name but a very few!

“This is a challenge that you can make as easy or as hard for yourself as you like,” said Dr Sue Kinsey, MCS Technical Specialist. “But however you choose to do it you won’t fail to realise just how reliant on plastic we’ve become.”

Some things are really tough to replace however much you want to give up single-use plastic. These include milk containers, dried goods packaged in single use plastic like pasta, rice and pulses, loo paper and toothpaste.

MCS says that many people who take on the challenge really do get stuck in. “They know why it’s so important to cut down on our plastic use,” said Dr Kinsey. "If these dedicated ditchers found it hard to find non single use plastic alternatives then that just goes to show how plastic dominates our lives even if you actively don’t want it to.”

The MCS has written a book on the living life without plastic: "How To Live Plastic Free – a day in the life of a plastic detox".

The book takes you through an average day giving tips and practical advice on how to remove unnecessary plastic at every opportunity. From getting up to going to bed you can find out about plastic-free cosmetics, mealtimes, shopping, workplace, pets, sporting and special events.

Dr Kinsey added: “People taking on the Plastic Challenge are often shocked to find out just how much single-use plastic is used every day. Have a go and even if you can only manage a single day and you’ll never look at your shopping in the same way again!”

Sign up to take part in the Plastic Challenge on the website: www.mcsuk.org/plastic-challenge

‘How To Live Plastic Free’ is available to buy now. For details visit: www.mcsuk.org/news

Editor’s note: The Ross Gazette would love to hear from anyone who takes on the challenge. Email: [email protected] with details of how you got on and what you found most difficult to manage without, or any alternatives you discovered.