It's not too late - we can all make a difference!

Here's what Greenpeace have to say:
Every year, about 335 million tonnes of plastic are produced around the world, and only a fraction is recycled. We’re all responsible for this mess, and it will take all of us to stop it from getting worse. It’s time to completely rethink how we as a society use (or abuse) plastic.

There are lots of things you can do to make a difference. Here's some ideas for what we can all do to help reduce plastics pollution, especially in our seas:

Reduce, repair, re-use and re-cycle – be conscious of all that you buy, and be sure to avoid ‘disposable’ plastic products and anything with excessive packaging. Plastics are highly dependent on oil for their production - start treating plastics as the rare resource that they soon will be!

Refuse plastic carrier bags wherever possible - try always to carry an alternative with you.

Avoid buying takeaway drinks in plastic bottles and cups. Carry a re-usable container if you can.

Campaign for nationwide deposit return scheme for plastic bottles and join in Greenpeace's campaign targeting drinks giant Coca-Cola to reduce its gigantic plastic footprint.

Don't buy products containing microbeads. These are present in many toiletries products but also in household cleaners and detergents. Keep a watchful eye on ingredients lists and boycott the culprits!

Don't take part in balloon releases and never let go!

Never flush plastics (sanitary towels, tampon applicators, cottonbuds) down the loo - and never buy tampon brands with plastic applicators.

Demand more and better recycling facilities in your area - out and about, not just in the home.

Take part in river and beach clean-ups (for instance, Beachwatch) - or organise one yourself.
Every time you see litter, pick it up and dispose of it properly. When visiting beaches, take a spare bag to pick up any litter that you see.

If you live near the sea or a river, your storm drains may be washing rubbish out to sea. Demand that these are eliminated.

Support organisations such as Greenpeace and the MCS, who are lobbying for better protection of our oceans and wildlife.

Be very conscious of your ecological footprint. Encourage change though your decisions and do not accept society's obsession with consumption and disposability.

Reduce your car use and drive a smaller car. Tyre dust - now containing plastics - is understood to be a major contributor to ocean pollution.

Finally, why not start your own campaign at your local school or library - ‘Plastic Fantastic?’ posters are available on my website www.flyintheface.com and lots of useful links for further information.

And don't forget to lobby the big corporations, your MP and your local council for change too!