March 2020 - Environmental Highlights

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, we've done a round up of March's positive environmental news across the globe.

1. Lockdowns have brought down emissions across the globe

Satellite images show that there has been an improvement in air quality acrodd the world due to the lockdowns imposed by COVID-19.

2. 98% of MP's believe compostable packaging can help solve the plastic crisis 

Compostable packaging has long been recognised as a great alternative to single-use plastics. In a poll, 98% of MP's answered that they believe compostable packaging can help solve the plastic crisis.

3. New York's plastic bag ban has come into effect

As of the 1st of March, single-use plastic bags were officially banned in the State of New York.

4. Europe becomes the first regional initiative to join the Plastics Pact network

The network works towards a common vision for a circular economy.

5. Welsh government plans to ban single-use plastics from next year

A range of single-use plastics including straws, stirrers, cotton buds, balloon sticks, plates, cutlery & food and drinks are set to be banned in Wales from next year.

6. 2019 had the sharpest drop in carbon emissions from electricity in 30 years

Global carbon emissions fell by 2% in 2019, when compared to the previous year. This has been the sharpest recorded decline in 30 years.

7. Virginia is the first Southern State to pursue 100% renewable energy

A law was passed on 6th March, mandating the state to eliminate carbon emissions in its electricity sector.

8. McDonald's to replace plastic happy meal toys with more environmentally friendly versions

McDonald's has said that from 2021 Happy Meals will come with a soft toy, book or paper based toy. The change hopes to save more than 3000 metric tonnes of plastic at it's UK business.

9. Morrisons ditches plastic bags for fruit & veg in favour of paper alternatives

In response to customers' concerns about plastic bags for loose veg, Morrisons have switched to a 100% recycled paper bag with a see-through strip. The change is to be rolled out to all stores by the summer.

10. M&S to expand trial of fill your own container scheme

Following a successful trial of offering loose product, M&S is to expand the trial into more stores. M&S reported that 25 of 44 products offered loose have outsold packaged equivalents.