George Eustice MP recently helped out with local residents for the annual Great British Beach Clean.
George joined local volunteers at Porthtowan for the event, which is run by the Marine Conservation Society and is the biggest national clean-up of its kind.
MCS beach litter data from hundreds of UK beaches surveyed over the past twenty years shows a steady rise in beach litter. Last year, this survey found on average 2,309 pieces of litter for every kilometre of the coast its volunteers cleaned – a record high since surveys began in 1994. Plastic litter alone has increased by a staggering 170%. This debris is not only unsightly for visitors, but can have devastating effects on wildlife which can become entangled in netting, or starve as a result of ingesting plastic and other rubbish.
George said:
‘Our beaches are enjoyed by millions of people as well as providing a vital habitat for a wide range of wildlife, so it’s important we keep them clean and litter free. That’s why I was delighted to support the Marine Conservation Society with their beach clean-up and I really enjoyed helping out at Porthtowan on Saturday.”