More young people around the world will be able to join the fight against plastic pollution after the UK Government announced an extension of a global Scout and Girl Guides badge to create the next generation of international leaders to protect our ocean.
The badge not only encourages young people to take action to reduce plastic waste in their own lives, but also helps them become leaders in their communities to make sure that as many people as possible join the global fight to tackle the scourge of single-use plastics that is damaging our ocean.
The United Nations Environment Programme’s Tide Turners Plastic Challenge Badge will be extended to a further 15 countries after successfully engaging more than 30,000 Girl Guides and Scouts in west Africa. Overseen by UN Environment, the badge was developed with the support of Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and partners at the World Organisation of the Scout Movement, the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.
“The UK is already committed to leaving the environment in a better state for the next generation, which is why it’s so important that we inspire a new generation of leaders to change behavior towards single-use plastics” said International Marine Minister Zac Goldsmith.
The UK has already introduced a world-leading ban on microbeads that harm marine life and a plastic bag charge that has taken more than 15 billion plastic bags out of circulation. It is also banning the supply of plastic straws stirrers and plastic-stemmed cotton buds.
On the international stage, the UK is urging countries around the world to join a call to protect 30% of the world’s ocean by 2030, and has brought Commonwealth nations together through the Commonwealth Clean Ocean Alliance to pledge further action to eliminate avoidable plastic waste.
Compiled by Roshna k
