A campaign has been launched in the United Kingdom urging the government to ban plastic stickers on fruit and vegetables. The initiative is led by Milena Tomaszewska, Miss Earth Wales Water 2024/25 and founder of the sustainability platform Circularity Champions, who has created a petition to Parliament.
Tomaszewska, who is also pursuing a Master's in Computer Science at Swansea University, said the labels contribute to plastic pollution. "Fruit stickers may look small, but collectively they contribute to huge amounts of unnecessary plastic waste. They contaminate composting, harm marine life, and add to the mounting problem of microplastics. It's time the UK followed other countries in banning them," she told The Herald.
The petition is available online and requires 10,000 signatures to receive a government response and 100,000 to be considered for debate in Parliament.
To support the campaign, an event is planned this winter at Ocean Lab in Goodwick, in partnership with Sea Trust Wales. The programme will feature circular economy workshops, marine conservation activities, and opportunities to sign the petition. It will also serve as a fundraiser for Sea Trust Wales' conservation work.
"This is an opportunity for Pembrokeshire to play a leading role in a national movement. By signing and sharing the petition, local people can directly influence change on a global issue," Tomaszewska said.
Organisers are encouraging schools, businesses, and community groups in West Wales to promote the initiative and increase participation.
Source: The Pembrokeshire Herald