AM congratulates Ceredigion plastic-free community

In the Senedd chamber, Mid and West AM Simon Thomas congratulated the town of Aberporth for becoming plastic-free.

In his 90-second statement, Simon noted how the stark increase in global usage of plastic was cause for concern and how we must all do our bit to move towards a Wales that is free of it.

Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Simon Thomas said:

“From recyclable cups in cafes, using paper straws in the local pub and having milk in glass bottles in the village shop, we should commend the town of Aberporth for leading the way towards a more environmentally-friendly Wales.

“Aberporth is the first of its kind in Wales by becoming a plastic-free community. I hope it is the first of many towns that begin to recognise their roles in reducing unnecessary and wasteful plastic. New Quay in Ceredigion is already following Aberporth and around 200 people have been discussing the issue in Aberystwyth recently.

“The depressing growth of our use of plastic is undeniable. In 1950, 1.5 million tonnes of plastics were produced across the world. It is now more than 320 million tonnes per annum, and half of all plastics produced since 1950 have been produced over the past decade alone. That is totally unacceptable and we ought to act to cut it down.

“I want to see this growth in communities becoming plastic-free continue so that we can all look forward to seeing the day when Wales will be free of plastic – sooner rather than later.”

“Plaid Cymru has campaigned for a levy on single-use plastic to work in conjunction with a deposit return scheme for bottles and cans in order to prevent waste from occurring in the first place and to reward re-using and ensure recycling. We secured a feasibility study for a deposit return scheme in the recent Welsh budget.

“A BBC St David’s poll showed a clear majority more than three-quarters (76%) supported a levy on disposable plastic – such as coffee cups.

Wales led the way with the ground-breaking carrier bag charge this shows how a small policy change can make a big difference. Why not lead the way again?