Thousands of households and hundreds of teachers across London have committed to counting a week’s plastic waste as part of the UK’s largest waste survey starting next week.

The Big Plastic Count, organised by Greenpeace UK and Everyday Plastic, is a crucial national survey taking place on 11-17 March 2024 that presents a unique opportunity for residents across the region to gather vital evidence about the extent of the UK’s plastic problem. Participants are encouraged to sign up by 11 March to receive all the materials needed.

“The natural world can’t cope with all our plastic rubbish. We’ve been calling for action on plastic for years, but the government hasn’t listened. That’s why this year, The Big Plastic Count is gathering even more evidence to push for plastic action in the UK and also globally, in a new UN Global Plastics Treaty focused on reducing plastic production. I’ve signed up for The Big Plastic Count. Will you sign up, too?” Chris Packham, Wildlife TV Presenter & Conservationist

Nationwide, across all 650 parliamentary constituencies, nearly 80,000 participants have already signed up for The Big Plastic Count 2024, including over 10,000 school classes.

The national plastic-counting campaign is open to individuals, households, schools, community groups and businesses. Local partner Tearfund is among the organisations supporting the campaign.

“Our school is delighted to be a part of The Big Plastic Count again, a new generation of fresh eyes are raring to go. Our pupils, even the younger ones, realise the enormity of the plastic problem, which continues to damage the environment, the oceans and wildlife. They are passionate to be a part of a real solution. Having already lobbied an MP as part of The Big Plastic Count previously, our school would like to use the evidence gathered to spur on even more influential adults to take action now, in helping to sort out this global plastic problem.” Rebecca Razzaque, Head of Year 5 at Kenmore Park Junior School in Harrow, The Big Plastic Count 2024 Participant

“The Big Plastic Count is a great opportunity for thousands of us in the UK to come together and show we want this plastics crisis solved. It’s a powerful reminder to the Government that people across the UK and worldwide are getting on with tackling plastic pollution. We need global politicians ensuring we get a strong Global Plastics Treaty agreed upon this year.” Richard Gower, Senior Economist, Tearfund

Sign up for The Big Plastic Count 2024: https://thebigplasticcount.com/sign-up.