IoM Gov set to eliminate single use plastics by 2021

The Isle of Man Government is taking action to reduce single use plastics within the public service.

The plan, which has been developed by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, was approved earlier this month in Tynwald.

There are several proposed immediate actions:

• Minimising the use of single use plastics at Government events

• Ensuring easy access to tap water in Government buildings

• Banning balloon releases by Government and on Government owned land

• Building up the capacity of sustainability champions across departments, boards and offices to help educate the workforce on plastic reduction and sustainability

• A plastics education programme in schools and the wider community in partnership with Manx Wildlife Trust, complementing the work that Beach Buddies is already doing.

The ultimate aim is to eliminate all unnecessary single use plastics across Government by January 2021.

Marine scientist Rowan Henthorn has assisted with the development of the plan - she was involved with the North Pacific 2018 expeditionin which 15 women travelled to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch to research the impact plastic waste is having on the ocean.