Scottish Greens pledge to phase out pointless plastics
Scottish Greens will phase out pointless single use non-essential plastics by 2025 and move towards a circular economy, the party will pledge today.
Under Scottish Green plans, single use non-essential plastics will be phased out quickly while ensuring disabled people have non-stigmatised access to plastic straws.
Greens will also bring forward the long-delayed deposit return scheme.
Speaking ahead of a litter pick on a canal in Edinburgh, Scottish Greens co-leader Lorna Slater said: “Plastic pollution is choking our planet, and we need to act. The Scottish Greens will deliver a dramatic reduction in the use of single use plastics where suitable alternatives are available.
“It is ridiculous that the Scottish Government have had the powers for 12 years to introduce a deposit return scheme and it is still being held up by industry lobbying. Scottish Greens will bring forward this vital programme as a first step towards a thriving circular economy.
“Plastic is a by-product of the oil industry and threatens our ecosystem. Phasing it out tackles both fossil fuel demand and pollution, but we need to act now. Only the Scottish Greens will act with the urgency required, if Scots vote like our future depends on it on May 6.”