“We have chosen to tackle plastic pollution. If not properly disposed of or recycled, a lot of the plastic we throw away will end up in our oceans. Across the globe, 8 million metric tons of plastic end up in our oceans every year and, of this, 50% has been produced for single use. Plastic pollution can now be found on every beach in the world, from busy tourist beaches to uninhabited, tropical islands; nowhere is safe. Recent studies have revealed marine plastic pollution in 100% of marine turtles, 59% of whales, 36% of seals and 40% of seabird species examined. 100,000 marine mammals and turtles and 1 million sea birds are killed by marine plastic pollution annually.”

“Our Big Idea is an awareness campaign to reduce plastic pollution within the college community and to ask the college community (teachers and support staff) to make personal pledges to stop using at least 1 of the 6 top offenders, which are: Food Wrappers & Containers, Bottle & Container Caps, Plastic Bags, Straws and Stirrers, Beverage Bottles and Takeout Containers. We also want the college canteen to consider changing plastic products wherever possible to glass, metal, wood or ceramics materials.”

“Our Big Idea is achievable because there is a real focus on reducing plastic pollution in the UK, including an announcement by the UK government of a 25-year plan with the aim to reduce the use of plastics and plastic pollution.

Our Big Idea is beneficial because we firmly believe that by raising awareness and obtaining increased support from staff and students, there will be a reduction in plastic pollution within the college community. Additionally, the amount of plastics entering the oceans will be greatly reduced.”