New plan to tackle ocean plastics
Around eight million tonnes of plastic finds its way into oceans every year.
Defra secretary Michael Gove has announced plans to reduce plastic waste, which is posing a serious threat to our oceans and marine animals.
Around eight million tonnes of plastic finds its way into oceans every year and is thought to be ingested by 31 species of marine mammal and over 100 sea bird species.
Mr Gove confirmed legislation will come into force this year banning microbeads - which are easily swallowed by marine life - in cosmetics and personal care products.
New figures show the use of plastic bags fell by more than nine billion since the government introduced a 5p charge, which represents a reduction of 83 per cent. Over £95 million raised from the charge has been donated to environmental, educational and other causes.
Mr Gove commented: “But there is more we can do to protect our oceans, so we will explore new methods of reducing the amount of plastic - in particular plastic bottles - entering our seas, improve incentives for reducing waste and litter, and review the penalties available to deal with polluters - all part of a renewed strategy on waste and resources that looks ahead to opportunities outside the EU.”
An expert group is exploring ways to reduce the use of commonly littered items, such as drinks bottles. It will also consider the pros and cons of different types of deposit and reward and return schemes.
Legislation is being brought forward to help councils tackle littering from vehicles and the government will publish its response to a consultation on increasing the fixed penalty fine for littering.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
