Did David Attenborough Cause This Government Change?

The government have announced that they are bringing in a new scheme to cut back on plastic waste.

Did David Attenborough Cause This Government Change?

by Emma Lowther |
Published on

The last ever Blue Planet II aired last week and it took an uncompromising look at the impact humans have had on marine life. David Attenborough stared into our souls down the camera lens and held every single one of us accountable (obvs in a loving grandad kind of way) for the sheer amount of plastic we use and discard.

Now, in response to the harrowing documentary, the government is introducing a scheme to cut back even further on plastic waste. We’ll soon have to pay a deposit when we buy drinks bottles and cans in a bid to boost recycling and cut waste and I’m here for it. The deposit will of course increase prices of single-use glass, plastic bottles, steel and aluminium cans. However, shoppers will get the money back if they return the containers.

Environment Secretary Michael Gove echoed Attenborough and said: ‘We can be in no doubt that plastic is wreaking havoc on our marine environment – killing dolphins, choking turtles and degrading our most precious habitats. It is absolutely vital we act now to tackle this threat and curb the millions of plastic bottles a day that go unrecycled.’

**See the heartbreaking video of how the waste impacts marine life. **

Although we don’t know full details yet, like how much the deposit will cost, similar schemes in countries such as Germany and Sweden have costs ranging from 8p-22p.

This is the latest crack down on plastic that the government has announced, following the 5p plastic bag charge in 2015 and the [banning of microbeads](https://thedebrief.co.uk/news/real-life/tesco-will-remove-products-containing-harmful-microbeads-end-2016/end-2016/) the year after. Frankly, it’s all necessary. Apparently, UK consumers go through an estimated [13 billion plastic drinks bottles a year, ](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/deposit-return-scheme-in-fight-against-plastic)butbut){href='https://www.gov.uk/government/news/deposit-return-scheme-in-fight-against-plastic)but' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer'}astic)but even more than three billion are actually incinerated, sent to landfill or left to pollute our land and oceans.

Attenborogh’s documentaries have brought to light what atrocities we’re doing to our earth and these schemes are a great start. [According to a national poll,](https://packagingeurope.com/national-poll-sheds-light-on-deposit-return-scheme/-scheme/) the public are on board because nearly 3 quarters of British consumers (74%) would be likely to return plastic bottles and aluminium cans, if they had to pay a deposit of just 10p on each one.

Another factor as to why this scheme is so important, is the growing size of the Great Pacific garbage patch. The patch is circulating the ocean and is now believed to be 3 times the size of France, making it the largest accumulation zone for ocean plastics on Earth.

Like it or loath it, it’s happening and it’s definitely for the best. We survived paying for shopping bags and we’ll survive this. Let’s just hope the marine life does too

Follow Emma on Twitter** @EmmaLowther **@EmmaLowther

**READ MORE: 11 of the best reusable cups **

Gallery

11 Of The Best Reusable Coffee Mugs Right Now

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Bamboo reusable cups

These 400ml travel mugs come in 4 cute designs that can brighten up any Monday morning commute. Plus, they are made completely from bamboo fibre and are being sold for just under £10!

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Keep Cup

The Keep Cup is microwave safe, dishwasher safe and manufactured from recyclable materials. It comes in 3 different sizes (227ml, 240ml, 454ml) and has replaceable components that allow you to change the look of your cup whenever you want.

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Joco Reusable Glass Coffee Cup

If you're looking for more of a chic glass design then the Joco Reusable Cup has got you covered. It's made from borosilicate glass (the same glass that Pyrex is made from) so it is super strong, but also really light. It costs £22.99 and can hold up to 340ml of hot or cold liquid.

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Frank Green Smart Cup

Self-proclaimed best coffee cup in the world, the Frank Green Smart Cup's unique design comes in 3 different sizes. Not only this but it's also spill proof and BPA free - all for £26.15.

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Contigo Travel Mug

The Contigo flask is one of the priciest options (£26.90), but is definitely one of the most professional looking cups on the list. It's dishwasher safe, BPA free and with an auto-seal lid that automatically seals between sips clumsy, Bridget Jones style spillages are a definitely thing of the past. Not to mention its double-wall vacuum-insulation keeps drinks hot for up to 4 hours and cold for up to 12.

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Cambridge Eco Travel Mug

The Cambridge Eco Travel Mug has loads of cute designs and is hassle free as it is completely dishwasher safe. It can hold up to 400 ml and is one of the list's cheapest cups retailing at just £7.49.

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King Do Way Coffee Flasks

These scratch resistant bottles are made of double walled stainless-steel meaning that your drinks can stay hot for more than 6 hours. It's £8.49, 100% BPA free and also has lots of different colours to choose from.

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Bodum Vacuum Travel Mug

The Bodum Travel Mug is another stainless-steel option that features slip proof rubber bands and lids that come in 14 different colours. With a double wall for heat insulation and a price of £12.48, it's no wonder this mug is #1 best seller on Amazon.

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The Starbucks Reusable Cup

If you prefer to stay loyal to your fav coffee house then look no further than Starbucks's to-go cup. This reusable travel mug holds a Starbucks grande sized drink and is priced at just £6.84.

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Simplr Glass Travel Cup Coffee Mug

The Simlpr Coffee Cup is the second glass reusable coffee mug on the list, again using borosilicate glass that can keep the heat in but is not too hot to hold. This glass is reflected in the price as the mug does cost £25.00, however it can hold 360 ml, is 100% BPA and most importantly of course is complete reusable!

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KeepCup Brew Small White Reusable 227ml Espresso Cup

This style of KeepCup is a firm favourite among more seasoned coffee lovers, this small size is perfect for commuting, and you can get it for £19 at Urban Outfitters

This article originally appeared on The Debrief.

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