If you want to turn off the plastic tap once and for all, then we want to hear from you. Create Plastic Free is the world’s first materials intelligence and systems change solution platform – is looking for a dynamic, future-thinking Social Media Manager to join their team. The successful candidate will oversee the social presence of both Plastic Free and its parent company A Plastic Planet across Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok. This is a perfect role for someone looking to take the next step in their career, taking on lots of responsibility in a small but hugely ambitious team. Apply here.

This month A Plastic Planet has challenged Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak to commit their government to a strict roadmap for making the UK plastic free by 2037. A Plastic Planet reports that plastic is ‘materially unsuited to single-use applications’, therefore new single-use plastic bans should be introduced ‘as early as 2024’ – prohibiting plastic sachets, bags, pots, single-use bottles, and fruit and veg wrapping. Sian Sutherland, Co-Founder of A Plastic Planet, said: “As a down payment on global leadership the UK should show the opportunities of Brexit, by going further and faster on taking the UK plastic free. “If the new Prime Minister does so, they will enjoy very strong public support.”

A Plastic Planet’s 2022 campaign is the Plastic Free Pint. They have proposed the EDM to call for an outright ban on the single use plastic pint cups and this is being backed by cross party MP’s. In the UK, some 100 million plastic cups are used annually during music festivals and live sporting events. Yonder polling in April found 89% of Britons wanted plastic pint cups banned in a bid to protect the environment and some 75% of respondents also believed plastic pint cups ‘cheapen the experience’ of their favourite beer. Read more here.

Siân Sutherland, the Co-Founder of A Plastic Planet spoke at the World Economic Forum in Davos last month. With a focus on climate, conflict and food supply, the conference drew leaders from the worlds of business, politics and nonprofits to discuss and debate how to make change. Siân was able to educate on the realities of humanity’s addiction to plastic and to offer up solutions. It was also the moment to introduce a key partner for A Plastic Planet and the PlasticFree movement, Natural Fiber Welding, who are leading the way in radically regenerative material innovations. Read more here.

The world gets through 500 billion plastic cups each year. In Britain plastic pint cups are one of the worst offenders. From British festivals it is estimated that almost 70% of plastic pint cups will end up in landfill or, most likely, the environment, where they will languish for centuries. A Plastic Planet are calling out for the Government to ban them without delay. Innovation will only happen if we take away the cheap plastic option, and many safe alternatives are already available. Read more here.

On the 1st of April the UK government’s plastic packaging tax come into force. In a first-of-its-kind piece of legislation, plastic packaging that fails to meet a 30% threshold for recycled content will be subject to a £200 per tonne levy. It’s something A Plastic Planet has campaigned for since it began. While it is indeed a step in the right direction, questions loom on whether this tax goes far enough. Click here to read more.

This month A Plastic Planet has drawn our attention to the alarming research produced by Common Seas showcasing tiny pieces of plastic are found in our blood. Of the blood samples tested, 77% came back positive for plastic. As plastic production increases, so does our exposure. So, it’s extremely concerning that by 2040, plastic production is on track to double. At this moment in time, we don’t really know what this means for our health, or for the health of future generations. To learn more click here.

In fashion, trends rapidly change, and a drive to buy the latest style can leave many items with a short lifespan and consigned to the waste bin. At present, it is estimated that £140 million worth of clothing is sent to landfills in the UK each year. Although a significant proportion of recycled fibres are downgraded into insulation materials, industrial wipes, and stuffing, they still constitute only 12% of total discarded materials. Read more.

This month over 50 MPs have backed A Plastic Planet‘s call to ban plastic sachets! The #SackTheSachet campaign was launched 2 years ago, fighting against the annual production of over a trillion sachets globally. Now the UK is supporting the cause, we could be on track to be the first country to ban this polluting product. A Plastic Planet have been working with industry to hopes to trial a suitable solution, working to produce a sufficient plastic-free alternative designed with consumer and planet in mind.

This month Sian Sutherland who set up A Plastic Planet spoke with the BBC on the climate crisis. Sian is passionate about igniting and inspiring the world to turn off the plastic tap. She has been leading one of the many pressure groups who attended COP26, campaigning to highlight the 70% of fabrics in the world’s clothing that are made from oil-based synthetic yarn. Sian wants companies and the public to commit to shifting towards natural textiles and have an awareness of where plastic waste ends up and what we can do to improve the climate crisis.