Working together to end plastic pollution
Plastic pollution causes disease, suffering, and death. It contributes to climate change and mass extinction. It may threaten our existence. Learn more.
Plastic Free Swindon is a campaign to help end plastic pollution and develop a zero waste system(s). Launched for Plastic Free July 2018, we are part of Friends of the Earth and the global Break Free From Plastic movement. Activities include campaigns, education, lobbying, media, events, co-operation, support, facilitation, and research. Find out more
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Education
Summary of plastic pollution
We've done the hard work for you. Read our brief summary of plastic pollution: key issues, solutions and non-solutions.
Why plastic recycling doesn't work
We can't recycle our way out of plastic pollution. The key to dealing with plastic pollution is to reduce plastic production. Read more.
Refill / zero waste champions
Why local is best
The Life of a plastic bottle
Pollution from plastic doesn't only occur after consumption. Plastic is polluting throughout its existence, using energy and resources. Learn why the focus must be on reducing plastic production rather than recycling.
From Here to Zero Waste
A video comic-strip which shows that waste incineration has no place in a circular economy of zero waste. Watch.
Equality and the environment
The UK is among the most economically unequal countries in the world. A 2009 book based on scientific research called The Spirit Level showed that economic inequality contributes to societal factors such as high crime rates, poor mental health, and violence. It is now understood to contribute to climate change and plastic pollution. Read more.
Plastic, oppression, and the global food system
The industrialised food system is at the heart of environmental and social crises, including plastic pollution. Understanding this oppressive and destructive system provides a simple yet immensely powerful solution. Read more.
Library
The library contains articles on many important aspects of plastic pollution, which are sorted by category and date. Swot up.
Campaigns and organisations
Refill
Refill is a simple, empowering scheme for people, businesses and other organisations to reduce plastic creation / pollution. Read more.
Keep Swindon Tidy
Growing South Swindon Community
Birds and Bees
The Birds and Bees radio show provides local environmental news and interviews, including on plastic pollution. Find out more.
Lobbying
UK lagging behind
The UK government are not world leaders in dealing with plastic waste, as they claim to be. In fact the UK is the 2nd biggest producer of plastic per person in the world. Much of our plastic waste is still dumped on poor countries or incinerated, polluting the environment and us along with it. Indeed the government partner with the World Economic Forum, which consists of Big Plastic / Big Oil and the banks who fund them. Hence we have no guarantees from local MPs that trade deals won't hinder our ability to deal with plastic pollution. As government disinformation and connections with the oil industry are increasingly understood, they are attempting make themselves unaccountable, described as a "power grab" by Liberty human rights organisation.
Topics include The Environment Act 2022, Plastic Packaging Tax, Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), waste incineration, The PCSC Act, trade deals, fracking, zero waste, and The Bill of Rights Bill. Read more.
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