The Considerate Constructors Scheme’s Spotlight on plastics and packaging campaign comes after a survey revealed the vast majority (81%) of people working in the industry believe it is not doing enough to reduce its consumption of plastics and packaging.
The survey also found 51% of construction workers have little understanding of the rules and regulations around plastics and packaging, while just 44% know how to recycle different materials.
The campaign is calling on all construction sites, companies, suppliers and clients of construction projects to drastically reduce their consumption of plastics and packaging.
A website has been launched, which includes a range of practical case studies and guidance from contractors, clients and service suppliers including: AMA Waste Management; Aztec; Balfour Beatty; Crossrail; Environment Agency; Griffiths; Knight Build; Protec; Right Waste Right Place; Mace; Morgan Sindall; Multiplex; Skanska; Sir Robert McAlpine; Wates and Ward.
The campaign comes at a time when many sectors are pledging to reduce plastic waste, following the success of campaigners and programmes like Blue Planet.
“As construction is the second largest consumer of plastic in the UK, our industry has one of the greatest responsibilities to society, and to the environment, to ensure that we are working tirelessly to improve our standards in minimising waste from plastics,” said Considerate Constructors Scheme Chief Executive, Edward Hardy.
“The Scheme’s ‘Spotlight on…plastics and packaging’ campaign provides resources, practical support and guidance helping everyone to take effective measures to tackle this issue. While considerable progress is being made – with over 76% of Scheme-registered construction sites setting targets to reduce, reuse and recycle waste – it is clear that a concerted effort to raise further awareness, and to provide the necessary support, is needed to achieve this drastic reduction in waste from plastics and packaging.”
Earlier this week, the Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for the Environment, Alistair Carmichael presented his Plastic Pollution Bill to Parliament, which aims to set specific targets and require the Secretary of State to publish a strategy to cut plastic pollution.
“Plastic pollution is the scourge of our oceans. The Government must start taking action to reduce our plastic to change our throwaway culture. The answer will need international cooperation but the UK can give a lead for other countries to follow,” said Mr Carmichael.
