CAMPAIGN WIN! New law bans plastic wet wipes to protect rivers and seas
The Government has officially passed legislation banning the sale and supply of wet wipes containing plastic in England – a huge win for our volunteers, partners and team.
In November 2021, we proudly fed data into Fleur Anderson’s (MP for Putney) research on the wet wipe challenge. She used this data to make a case for banning plastic in wet wipes when she presented her wet wipe bill to Parliament in 2021. Four years later, the ban has been approved by both Houses.
This marks a major milestone in tackling plastic pollution in our rivers, and follows legislation for a ban in Wales already passed in Cardiff. Regulations for Scotland are still awaited.
Thames21 has been tirelessly campaigning to ban plastic in wet wipes for many years. We have worked with volunteers to build evidence, told the story to the media, engaged with the Government and worked with partners to push for change.
A massive thank you to all our volunteers, supporters and partners who helped to make this happen. Thanks also to our wider team (past and present) and Thames River Watch team who helped to collect data to lobby for change.
Chris Coode, CEO at environmental charity Thames21, said: “Thames21 welcomes this fantastic news. This vital move is a crucial step towards protecting the health of our rivers, as it will reduce the introduction of microplastics into the environment.
“Thames21 and its dedicated volunteers have been building evidence through our work on the River Thames for many years. A huge shout-out to Thames21’s volunteers and partners for their persistence!”
Thames21 was also featured on Defra’s press release on the news. Read full story here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-law-bans-plastic-wet-wipes-to-protect-rivers-and-seas#:~:text=Rivers%2C%20lakes%20and%20beaches%20will,pollution%20which%20devastates%20our%20waterways
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For more information, contact:
Liz Gyekye, Communications Manager