CORNWALL Council has signed up to becoming single use plastic free by 2020 following a motion from eight Cornwall Councillors debated at a full Council yesterday.

Member for St Germans and Landulph, Councillor Jesse Foot, proposed the motion ‘Konsel Kernow Says No to Single Use Plastics’, with support of Councillors Dominic Fairman, Joyce Duffin, Edwina Hannaford, Dorothy Kirk, Matthew Luke, Peter La Broy and Jim McKenna.

The motion recommended Council vote on:

Cornwall Council will, wherever possible, phase out the use of all single use cups, lids, plastic bottles, plastic-lined cardboard, and any other single use plastics from the entire Cornwall Council Estate by 2020. In addition, Cornwall Council urges all businesses with which we work, through procurement avenues and other networks, to promote the banning of similar products in their business environments.

Councillor Foot said he proposed the motion to encourage more personal and community responsibility to waste.

“Waste and recycling is a major concern for the people of Cornwall. Single use plastics create unnecessary waste with negative impacts on our communities.

“In order to lead by example and take positive corporate action, I wanted Konsel Kernow to encourage a culture that supports the environment by reducing waste and utilising reusable and recyclable products. It’s great to see this is an issue that has been taken seriously and supported.”

Cornwall Council Cabinet Member for Environment & Public Protection Sue James also welcomed the move, which was supported by all but one councillor.

“Penzance is already leading the way in the battle against plastic after becoming the first town in the UK to achieve Plastic Free Coastline status with Surfers Against Sewage.

“Today’s motion being passed means the Council is setting a clear example for the community.”

Hugo Tagholm, CEO of Surfers Against Sewage, said the Council’s move was a bold step that laid the foundation for other across Cornwall to do the same.

“Surfers Against Sewage is delighted that Cornwall Council has signed up to be part of our Plastic Free Cornwall campaign, with a commitment to reduce its plastic footprint by 2020 and promoting the elimination of avoidable plastics with businesses across the county,” Hugo said.

“We are thrilled to see hundreds of communities across the UK being inspired by our Plastic Free Communities initiative. Cornwall is truly setting the pace for plastic-free community innovation and leadership. Cornwall Council can play a vital role in delivering Plastic Free Coastlines for the future.”