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Letter to the editor

William Clark expresses frustration with an article in the Daily News that downplays the impact of individual actions in reducing single-use plastic waste. He argues that every small action contributes to tackling the larger issue of plastic pollution and advocates for solutions like deposit return schemes. Clark calls on local politicians to implement policies that promote sustainability and reduce plastic waste.
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
18 views2 pages

Letter to the editor

William Clark expresses frustration with an article in the Daily News that downplays the impact of individual actions in reducing single-use plastic waste. He argues that every small action contributes to tackling the larger issue of plastic pollution and advocates for solutions like deposit return schemes. Clark calls on local politicians to implement policies that promote sustainability and reduce plastic waste.
Copyright
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39 London Road

Wimbledon, SW19 3RQ


[email protected]
16 April, 2024
Mr William Clark
Editor,
Daily News
1 Oxford Road
London
EC2A 1AH
Dear Editor,

I am writing to express my frustration with the article "Who cares?" that was published
in your newspaper. The article argues against the effectiveness of encouraging students
to avoid purchasing single-use plastic, particularly water bottles. While I understand the
article's perspective, I believe it overlooks the larger-scale issue of plastic pollution and
the significant impact that reducing single-use plastic can have on our environment.

The article suggests that individual actions, such as students choosing not to buy water
bottles, will not make a difference in the grand scheme. However, every small action
counts, and encouraging individuals to make sustainable choices can significantly
reduce plastic waste over time. We have seen the success of campaigns promoting
reusable shopping bags or straws and how individual choices can contribute to reducing
plastic waste.

Furthermore, the article needs to acknowledge the broader context of the plastic
pollution crisis. Single-use plastic, including water bottles, contributes significantly to
the pollution of our oceans and harm to marine life. According to the Ellen MacArthur
Foundation, if current trends continue, there could be more plastic than fish in the
ocean by 2050. This crisis requires urgent action at all levels, from individuals to
governments.

One of the possible solutions to reduce single-use plastic waste is implementing a


deposit return scheme for plastic bottles. This system would require consumers to pay a
small deposit when purchasing a plastic bottle, which they would receive back when
they return the bottle for recycling. Deposit return schemes have been successful in
several countries, significantly increasing the plastic bottle recycling rate. For instance,
Norway has had a deposit return scheme in place since the early 1990s and has
achieved a recycling rate of 97%.

Local politicians are crucial in implementing policies that can reduce plastic waste. They
can introduce legislation to ban or tax single-use plastics, promote alternatives such as
reusable bottles, and support initiatives like deposit return schemes. By working with
local businesses and communities, politicians can create a more sustainable
environment and reduce the impact of plastic pollution.

In conclusion, while individual actions may seem insignificant, every small step towards
reducing single-use plastic is in the right direction. Encouraging students and the wider
community to make sustainable choices can have a meaningful impact on our
environment. I urge local politicians to take action and implement policies that will help
us move towards a future with less plastic waste. We have seen that deposit return
schemes can be successful, and it is time for our community and government to take
similar steps towards a cleaner and safer environment.

Sincerely,

William Clark

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