Marine litter is a global environmental crisis. And as awareness of the threats it poses increase, there is a growing call for both scientific research and collective action.
Through its International Marine Little Research Unit, the University has been at the forefront of advancing knowledge in this field for almost two decades. Its work includes studying the causes and impacts of plastics and other debris within the marine environment. But it also seeks to spread awareness of the need for behavioural change, and the means through which it can be brought about.
The University is also taking important steps to reduce its own impact on the environment through a new Plan for Plastics. In line with a number of regional and national initiatives – including Plymouth City Council’s Plan for Plastics and the WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme) UK Plastics Pact – it aims to:
- minimise consumption of single-use plastics
- recycle all plastic waste and ensure correct management of waste
- support the economy and our supply chain to move towards the removal of single-use plastics and implementation of alternatives
- deliver world leading research to provide robust evidence about the environmental problems associated with plastic, thereby helping society tackle the global challenge of moving towards a plastic free society
- raise awareness within the University as well as externally about the issues associated with single-use plastics and waste generation and promote behaviour change.
Read more about the University's commitment to reduction of single use plastics