Month: November 2020

Scottish sculptor Michael Visocchi wins international artistic commission

  • The ‘Spirit Tables’ will represent the fall and rise of whales in the oceans of the sub-Antarctic

After a year-long search, the South Georgia Heritage Trust and the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands are delighted to announce the winner of a major international artistic commission that was designed to highlight the environmental recovery of the stunning sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia, a UK Overseas Territory in the Southern Ocean. 

The idea of the commission was to challenge artists to find a way to tell the powerful conservation messages of South Georgia, an island that was at the centre of the whaling industry for decades, but is now a modern rarity: an eco-system in recovery and a beacon of hope for conservation activities worldwide. 

The winning artist is Scottish sculptor Michael Visocchi, with his work called ‘Commensalis – the Spirit Tables of South Georgia’. This site-specific piece will be situated on South Georgia at the Grytviken Whaling Station, with Michael’s concept drawing inspiration from a number of sources to tell the island’s powerful story. 

The artwork will be made up of three main elements that all interlink to tell the story from devastation to the recovery of whale populations in the oceans around South Georgia, and more widely.

Visually it will make a connection between the barnacles found growing on the skin of various whale species and the steel rivets which literally held together the structures and vessels that powered the whaling industry for nearly a century. It will also reference the industrial nature of the whaling station and materials used in the derelict buildings that bore witness to the processing of so many whales.  

The Key Table sets the scene through a series of rivets arranged in a Nightingale chart*. It will visualise for visitors the stark reality that 175,250 whales were processed at South Georgia between 1904 and 1966. The Key Table will help unlock the message of what will follow with the other elements of the artwork.

The Footbridge is being explored as an element of the project, once Michael has had the opportunity to visit, and crossing it will provide a moment of reflection and contemplation as visitors walk across the slipway area where thousands of whales were dragged up and processed.

It will act as a transition point from the Key Table area to the Flensing Plan – the name given to the platform where the processing took place. The Footbridge will guide visitors to the final element of the artwork – the Spirit Tables. 

The Spirit Tables are at the heart of the Flensing Plan and consist of six tables representing the six different whale species that were hunted and processed at Grytviken: Blue Whale, Fin Whale, Southern Right Whale, Sei Whale, Sperm Whale and Humpback Whale.

The Spirit Tables are punctuated by stainless steel button head rivets in various patterns, with each rivet symbolising a live whale or the spirit of a live whale. Michael’s design allows light to bounce off each rivet, illuminating the space and emitting a feeling of hope that is now evident around the waters of South Georgia following the end of whaling and the return of a number of species. 

Recent expeditions by British Antarctic Survey have resulted in an unprecedented number of sightings of both blue and humpback whales, suggesting that the waters of South Georgia are once again becoming an important summer feeding ground for both species.

The title of the artwork Commensalis is derived from the biological term commensal, which defines a biological relationship where two species benefit from one another and where neither species suffer. Michael’s artwork focuses on the commensal relationship between whales and the whale barnacle. The artwork’s title more broadly proposes whether humankind ought to aspire to have that same commensal relationship with planet earth.

On being awarded this prestigious commission artist Michael Visocchi said: “This is an enormous honour and an extraordinary opportunity to engage creatively with such an important story in a truly remarkable place. It is going to be a real privilege to work alongside the many skilled and dedicated people who are so deeply invested in South Georgia and its wildlife.

“It is very rare for an artist to have the opportunity to respond to and work in such a genuinely special place and with such a deeply emotive subject matter. I have tried to weave a sense of hope into this work in an otherwise tragic and charged location in the whaling station. The Flensing Plan was where the more brutal physical aspects of whaling took place. I hope though that future visitors will gain some insight and hope from my Spirit Tables.

“As a sculptor and maker my work has always attempted to deal with our interaction with the landscape. This is what drew me to applying for this commission in the first place. It isn’t often that ‘site specificness’ or responding to a particular context is written into a commission brief.

“I hope the scale of this work in some way evokes the majesty of these amazing creatures and the magnitude of this story about humankind’s quite often troubled relationship with other species and the environment, but also humankind’s amazing ability to steer ultimately towards enlightenment.”

The South Georgia Heritage Trust, the Scottish-based charity that has organised this artistic commission, has been working on the island in close partnership with the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI) since 2005.

Its hugely successful Habitat Restoration Project has reversed two centuries of human-induced damage to the island’s wildlife, eradicating the mice and rats that arrived as stowaways on sealing and whaling vessels from the late 18th century onwards that preyed on ground-nesting and burrowing birds.  

As a result, millions of birds reclaimed their ancestral home when South Georgia was declared rodent-free in May 2018 – the largest invasive species eradication in the world.

Alison Neil, Chief Executive of SGHT said: “We were delighted with the responses from all over the world to the commission and it was heartening that so many artists were moved by the compelling story of South Georgia and wanted to be part of making a difference.

“The competition was tough, but the entire judging panel led by Elaine Shemilt (Vice Chairman of SGHT and Professor at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design, University of Dundee), was impressed by the level of research Michael had undertaken and were struck by how his concept so effectively captured the essence of the brief, which was to shine a light of hope onto what can often seem a bleak future for our environment.

“This is just the start of the journey for SGHT and Michael, who will have the opportunity to visit South Georgia and evolve his concept once he has physically seen the site at Grytviken. 

“The era of whaling and sealing was a dark period in our planet’s history, but the tide is turning.

“Now, not only are South Georgia’s birds free from invasive rodents, but whale species are starting to recover in the seas around the island too, which thanks to the GSGSSI now encompasses a 1.24 million km2 Marine Protected Area.

“We are thrilled that this artistic commission will sit at the heart of the work we are embarking, on as part of a cultural heritage programme to tell the world more about the human story on South Georgia.”

Helen Havercroft, Chief Executive of GSGSSI and a member of the judging panel said: “The Government looks forward to working alongside Michael and our Heritage Advisory Panel to ensure that the impressive concept Michael presented works to enhance the visitor experience at Grytviken and provide that critical ‘hope’ that humankind’s ability to destroy can be repaired through collective effort and a world-class management.

“Past human activities pushed some species to the brink of extinction but today, through hard work and commitment, South Georgia is a global rarity; an ecosystem in recovery with the recently published papers on returning whales to South Georgia’s waters serving as evidence of that recovery.”

Amanda Catto, Head of Visual Arts at Creative Scotland, who was also part of the judging panel, said: “Art is a really accessible and emotive way to tell powerful stories about the environment and engage people who might otherwise not be interested. The level of interest and entries to the competition demonstrates that.

“I am particularly impressed with the way the competition has been run and the quality of entries was incredible. Michael’s winning concept is exceptionally powerful and the way he proposes using the site and the materials to bring it to life is something I look forward to following as this project develops.”

Michael was due to visit South Georgia in the coming months, but due to COVID-19 this has been rescheduled to autumn 2021. Given the site-specific nature of the piece, it is imperative the artist has the chance to visit and adjust their concept accordingly, something that is particularly important for Michael who hopes to include disused materials from the whaling station in his construction.

The artwork will be permanently installed at Grytviken Whaling Station located in Cumberland Bay, South Georgia. Grytviken is the only visitor-accessible whaling station on South Georgia and receives around 10,000 visitors per year under usual circumstances.

Michael’s artwork will also be part of an outreach programme in the UK (currently under development), which may see Spirit Tables placed in a number of locations to engage a wider number of people in the story of South Georgia.

A video of Michael talking about his commission and the inspiration behind it can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQVjwY4YE1c 

Guide Dogs Scotland express concerns over capital’s Spaces for People programme

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, has said that Edinburgh Council must urgently review their Space for People project to meet the needs of people with sight loss.  

A recent FOI request by Mr Briggs revealed that no safety audits had been carried out by Edinburgh City Council ahead of putting new measures in place.

Guide Dogs Scotland have contacted Edinburgh City Council about a number of concerns they have with the Space for People initiative, the foremost being the lack of consultation with most vulnerable road users.

A key concern is that the Commonplace online map, an online tool for consulting on changes, has not been fully accessible to people with sight loss.  

Another concern raised is a lack of transparency, with the walking and cycling charity Sustrans, managing the funds, providing advice and having developed the evaluation framework for the programme.

Particular safety concerns which have been highlighted include ‘floating bus stops’ and ‘bus boarders’ that require pedestrians to cross an uncontrolled crossing before and after they board a bus. For people with sight loss, this presents a particular challenge as many won’t be able to see approaching cyclists.

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said: “The ill-thought-out Spaces for People initiative has created a number of significant changes to streets and roads across Edinburgh and has clearly impacted negatively on people with sight loss.

“From the outset Edinburgh City Council has failed to consult with local residents and must now act and take on board this guidance from Guide Dogs Scotland and fully consult with those who are visually impaired.   

“Floating bus stops and bus borders are issues which have been highlighted as especially hazardous for people who have sight loss and these real concerns must be addressed urgently.”

Guide-Dogs-Scotland-Covid-19-street-design-guidanceDownload

Edinburgh has secured almost £2m in additional funding from Sustrans to improve conditions for walking, cycling and wheeling, it’s been announced.

The £1.95m award, comprising of Spaces for People and Places for Everyone funding, will add to £5m already received from the Scottish Government, via Sustrans, to implement temporary measures supporting travel by foot, bike or wheelchair.

This latest boost will help us to complete the proposed programme of temporary improvements first approved by Policy and Sustainability Committee in May. It will also allow the Spaces for People team to enhance schemes where possible, carry out more road and pavement resurfacing and increase the removal of street clutter.

Since May, we’ve introduced many temporary changes across the city to provide safe and protected routes, helping pedestrians and cyclists to travel while physically distancing. Amongst these are widened pavements in key shopping streets, segregated cycle lanes on main roads, closures on roads leading to popular parks and beauty spots, and improvements around schools.

Transport and Environment Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes said: “This is fantastic news and is testament to the hard work of our Spaces for People team, who are developing schemes which support people to walk, cycle and wheel while COVID restrictions are in place.

Additional funding will help us to deliver an even better package of routes and improvements which not only create more room for physical distancing but help residents to make healthy, active travel choices whenever they can.

Transport and Environment Vice Convener Councillor Karen Doran said: “We’ve already delivered a whole range of projects – helping children to get to school safely, creating space to spend time on shopping streets and giving cyclists safer, segregated routes for travel.

“This funding will help us provide additional improvements including removing street clutter to help reduce obstacles to pedestrian movement and improving some projects already on the ground, for example by renewing surfacing, and potentially adding some new projects.”

An update report to Transport and Environment Committee last week outlined the next steps for Spaces for People in Edinburgh, including amendments to existing interventions, several more complex schemes and improvements developed as a result of public feedback.

This has been referred to Full Council today (Thursday 19 November) for final approval.

Find out more about Spaces for People on the Council website.

LifeCare secures £100,000 to provide ‘meals on wheels’ service

LifeCare Edinburgh, the older people’s support charity, is today announcing it has secured £100,000 from Barclay’s 100×100 UK COVID-19 Community Relief Programme. 

This funding will enable the charity to deliver its important new ‘meals on wheels’ service set up to support some of the most vulnerable and isolated local older people through the crisis. 

This will be particularly important over the challenging winter months ahead when older vulnerable people will require more support than ever to maintain physical and mental health and to remain connected to others through this unprecedented time.

The Stockbridge-based charity has almost 80 years of experience supporting older people living across the city.

The range of support services offered by the care organisation allows older residents to comfortably stay in their own home for longer.  For example, the charity runs essential help at home services, registered outreach services and hosts three day centres for those with dementia and the frail elderly living throughout the city.

However, the crisis and the subsequent restrictions, has radically affected the usual range of in-person care services proudly offered by the charity.  LifeCare has had to quickly evaluate, adapt and launch new programmes of support, such as this new meals on wheels service, to ensure that those in need continue to receive the high-quality support older people urgently need.

Kirstine Fergusson, Interim CEO of LifeCare, said: “We are so grateful to Barclays for this phenomenal level of support.  The £100,000 award will enable our dedicated teams to deliver 100 hot meals a day to some of the most vulnerable and isolated older people living across our local communities right now. 

“We all know that the colder, winter months ahead look a little harder for us all this year, but this is particularly true for the people we continue to support every day. 

“Our older people are missing usual interactions such as coming to our day centres and participating in our varied support programmes.  They are no longer easily able to get out of the house, have a change of scene and perhaps sit in our café to enjoy the company of others. 

“Many of our clients live alone, are fearful or unable to leave their homes by themselves and they can become very isolated, so we are delighted that because of this new partnership with Barclays we are now able to visit those most in need regularly to check in, to say hello and to provide them with a hot and nutritious meal to keep them going through the colder and darker days.  This is truly life-changing support.”

Scott Stewart, Head of Barclays Scotland, said: “This crisis has had an unprecedented impact across Scotland and we know this is an incredibly challenging time for many communities.

“By reaching those most in need of support LifeCare is playing a vital role in this crisis.  At Barclays we are doing everything we can for our customers, clients and colleagues to help them through this pandemic.  We hope that the donations we are making to charities across Scotland, including LifeCare, will allow them to amplify their vital work and support more people as the crisis develops.”

This new meals on wheels service will be managed by the team working within LifeCare’s renowned community café on Cheyne Street by their Help at Home service.  The small team will deliver 14,000 freshly prepared hot meals across the coming months.

The charity will be targeting local older people most affected by the restrictions.  If you, or someone you know, would like to benefit from the meals on wheels service please call 0131 343 0940 to discuss.  

For more information visit https://www.lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk/

Winter: Is it time for a prune?

Winter is coming, and for responsible householders and landowners this is the time to take stock of trees on their property and to make sure they are healthy, well maintained and, above all, safe, writes KEITH GALLACHER.

While trees are without doubt one of nature’s greatest gifts, many people regard them as a hazard, posing a significant risk of harm or injury. This is an understandable fear, but largely unfounded.

The most up to date research shows that some six people a year were killed in the UK by a tree, or parts of a tree falling. With a population of 60 million, this would equate to a one in in 10 million chance, by any standards a low risk.

But it remains prudent to be aware of the state of trees in your ownership, and to keep an eye out for dangerous or defective branches or decaying of the trunk which may lead to a sudden failure and collapse.

The onset of winter provides the best opportunity to undertake this kind of inspection, since the foliage of the tree has gone and the underlying structure is clearly visible. Pruning and maintenance now is also less likely to cause disturbance to nesting birds.

Apart from removing potentially dangerous branches, pruning in winter can be used to improve the structure of a tree, to reduce shading, to make it less vulnerable to wind damage or just to clear branches away from a building or wires.

Trees are dynamic, living organisms, which use the miracle of photosynthesis to create their building blocks, and cutting them – if not expertly done – can leave wounds through which infection can enter, reducing their vitality.

And cutting branches, especially at height, is a dangerous business and should only be undertaken by a trained, insured and professionally-equipped specialist.

As well as maintaining trees in domestic garden settings, specialists are routinely called on to deal with issues in public areas or for site clearance work in spaces scheduled for construction activity.

Part of the planning process ensures that wildlife is fully protected during such operations and arborists will call on the services of a suitably qualified ecologist to advise on when it is safe to proceed with operations.

This is an area which goes largely unpoliced in the domestic arena, and householders should be sure that any tree operatives they employ in their gardens will carry out the appropriate checks before any work commences.

Foremost among these checks should be awareness of Tree Preservation Orders, which are made by local authorities to protect individual trees, groups of trees of woodlands which have a particular amenity value or contribute to the landscape or townscape.

While it might be expected that large, stately deciduous trees would have TPOs, the most unexpected varieties can also be protected. I recently discovered that there was an order on a Sitka Spruce we had been asked to fell – one of the commonest commercial trees in the country.

Potentially dangerous limbs can, in theory, be removed without permission from a tree with a TPO on it, but the penalties for breaching the legislations, inadvertently or not, can be severe.

With all tree work, safety is of primary importance and if branches larger than your wrist need to be removed or if ladders are necessary, a professionally qualified trees surgeon or arboriculturist should be engaged.

Keith Gallacher is Director of Complete Weed Control Scotland.

CANCER: ‘If you’re worried – see your GP and get checked out’

Four thousand fewer pathologically confirmed cancer diagnoses in March – June 2020 compared to 2019

As part of the ongoing response to COVID-19, Public Health Scotland provides an overview of changes in health and use of healthcare services during the pandemic.

This week, data on the numbers of people who have had a diagnosis of cancer confirmed using a sample of tissue (a pathologically confirmed cancer) between 1 January and 21 June 2020, compared with how many there were in the same period in 2019 are included in our analysis for the first time. 

This information is provided to help inform the ongoing response to COVID-19 and is a subset of the fuller information on cancer incidence in 2020, which is due to be published by the Scottish Cancer Registry in 2022.

The data show that between January and March 2020, the number of people who had a pathological diagnosis of cancer was similar to the number in the same period in 2019. 

By the week ending 21 June 2020, around 4,000 fewer people in Scotland had a pathologically confirmed cancer diagnosis than would have been expected.

Between March and June 2020, numbers fell by about 40% of those in 2019. In total, therefore, between January and the end of June 2020, the overall number of patients diagnosed was down by 19% on 2019 figures in the same period. 

The fall in numbers is unlikely to be due to a reduced occurrence of cancer, and is likely to reflect a combination of: patients with possible cancer symptoms not seeking out help from their GP (as they may be worried about catching COVID-19); changes to the national screening programmes in the first few months of the pandemic; or reductions in the availability of diagnostic services and treatment during this period.

It is clear that COVID-19 has caused substantial direct and indirect harm to the health of the people of Scotland.  As we continue to provide guidance on and evidence for actions to stop the spread of the virus we will also monitor the wider impact it has in our communities.

PHS will do this so that, together with partners in Government, local Government and in Health Boards across Scotland, we can work to protect the health of all of Scotland’s people.

Professor David Morrison, Director of the Scottish Cancer Registry at Public Health Scotland said: “Understanding the impact of the pandemic on health and healthcare services is a crucial part of our efforts to respond to and recover from it.

“As part of the Scottish Cancer Registry’s response we wanted to help understand how cancer diagnoses and cancer services have been affected. The reduction in cancer diagnoses this year gives us a sense of the scale of the impact of COVID-19 on all stages of the journey from first seeking help to recovering from treatment.   

“If you’re worried you might have cancer – see your GP and get checked out. It’s probably not cancer – but if it is, the sooner you’re diagnosed, the better your chances of successful treatment.”

To see the further information on the wider impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on people’s health, and their use of healthcare services, including the data on cancer outlined above, please visit our COVID-19 wider impacts on the health care system web pages.

For information on screening, please visit NHS Inform.

Four in five motorists support crackdown on speeding outside schools

During Road Safety Week the UK’s largest independent road safety charity, IAM RoadSmart, is highlighting findings from its annual Safety Culture Study.

This has found that 82 per cent of the British driving public are in favour of using speed cameras to automatically fine drivers travelling more than ten miles per hour over the limit near schools.

However, the survey of 2,000 motorists went on to highlight that attitudes towards speeding on motorways were significantly different, with only 63 per cent of drivers supporting the use of cameras to detect those driving ten miles per hour above the limit on motorways.

Worryingly, it also identified that just under half of all motorists (46 per cent) think it is acceptable to drive at 80 miles per hour on the motorway, while as many as one in four believe it is acceptable to do so at speeds greater than 80 miles per hour.

And while acceptance of motorway speeding remained broadly consistent among drivers aged 17 to 69, there was a noticeable increase among those who travel longer distances. A staggering 56 per cent of those who cover more than 10,000 miles on the road each year believed it acceptable to reach speeds of 80 miles per hour or more on the motorway.

Neil Greig, Policy and Research Director at IAM RoadSmart, said: “It is reassuring to see that the majority of motorists we surveyed are in favour of using speed cameras to improve road safety outside schools. Speeding in towns may be universally disliked, but it is clear that we still have a long way to go before the same message gets through on motorways.

“Speeding causes more than 4,000 casualties each year on UK roads – that’s an average of 11 people a day killed or seriously injured. So it is extremely disappointing to see such apparent acceptance of speeding on motorways, and we need to do more to create a fundamental shift in attitude and behaviour here.”

Volunteer opportunities for people who love talking about cats

Cats Protection, the UK’s largest cat charity needs to recruit more contact centre volunteers to help answer the public’s cat related enquiries Monday – Friday for around 3 hours per week during office hours.

Based from their own homes, contact centre volunteers are the friendly and passionate voices manning the National Information Line on behalf of the charity’s extensive branch network.

Using a selection of resources, volunteers provide information and advice to members of the public about a wide range of cat-related topics, including adopting or rehoming, helping stray cats and general cat care. By ensuring callers get the help they need, volunteers directly improve the lives of thousands of cats per year.

Volunteers will need to be over 18 with previous professional call-handling and customer service experience. A calm and empathetic manner and excellent listening and communication skills are also essential. Applicants also need to have access to a Windows 7 or above computer with a consistent internet connection.

The charity will provide plenty of assistance and support materials, a tailored online training programme and 1:1 support from a Volunteer Team Leader throughout the training and induction process. Volunteers also have access to a friendly and supportive private Facebook group and receive a quarterly Contact Centre volunteer newsletter.

Charlotte Hardman, Contact Centre Volunteer Team Leader said: “Our volunteers tell us that they find the role rewarding because they are helping people whilst learning more about cats and the charity in general.

“Ideally we need people who are available for at least 3 hours per week, but we can be flexible and would love to hear from as many people as possible.”

To find out more and apply to be a Contact Centre volunteer, please visit: https://www.cats.org.uk/support-us/volunteeropportunities?id=6693 

For any enquiries please email contactcentre.recruitment@cats.org.uk

A video about volunteering for Cats Protection can be found here: 

http://bit.ly/VolunteeringforCP

53 million disposable face masks are sent to landfill every single day

The UK is binning an incredible 53,000,000 disposable face masks every single day, with reports that many face masks are ending up being carelessly discarded in the street ending up in streams and rivers.

“If you walk around any street now you will see disposable face masks being blown around with leaves in the gutter – they are the new cigarette butt – people are simply chucking them after use.

“We know that 53 million are being sent to landfill each day – but just how many end-up elsewhere is the very scary part”, says Charlotte Green from waste company TradeWaste.co.uk

Now that face mask wearing has become a standard part of lockdown life, their disposal is being highlighted as a major new environmental crisis, with masks being found in streams, rivers, and oceans – like the modern-day plastic bottle.

Disposable face masks are typically made from plastic in 3 layers:

  • Non-woven plastic fabric outer
  • Melt-blown polymer filter such as polypropylene
  • Non-woven plastic fabric inner
  • Other – cotton ear loops and metal nose piece

The other issue with a disposable mask are the ear loops and metal piece used to grip the nose – often thrown with these in-tact they can become entangled around animals and wildlife, especially so when they end up in water courses.

A survey of 4,500 members of the UK public by TradeWaste.co.uk found that the numbers of masks being discarded daily are truly staggering:

  • 58.8 million face masks are being used daily in the UK currently (November)
  • 10% are reused, 90% are discarded
  • 53.3 million face masks are sent to landfill each day
  • Globally we are use 129 billion face masks per month

The main problem is that they are specifically designed to be chucked away after each use. In a medical setting this is controlled, but out in our towns and cities this is not controlled, and generally masks are thrown in residential and street waste bins for landfill.

“We as a country need better disposal methods to cope with the huge numbers of disposable masks being thrown away – most cannot be recycled. If restrictions and mask use continue then this issue is going to get progressively worse – action needs to be taken today”, concludes TradeWaste.co.uk‘s Charlotte Green.

Morrisons asks food and drinks brands to help fight war on plastic

– Morrisons to work with brands to reduce plastic in products and packaging –

– Supermarket’s packaging and technical teams on hand to offer support –

Morrisons has asked its branded suppliers to help fight the war on plastic, as part of its commitment to reduce the amount of the material in its stores and supply chain operations. 

The supermarket made the appeal at its annual supplier conference, to which 1,600 suppliers were invited. 

Morrisons is asking its branded suppliers to reduce plastic in both product packaging and on the shelf display packaging, as well as in the materials in which these products are transported to stores. 

It is hoped that this will remove thousands of tonnes of plastic from the supermarket’s shelves a year – and make it easier for customers to reduce the amount of plastic they are purchasing. 

Advice and guidance will be offered by Morrisons technical teams to help brands to reduce their plastic packaging. As the supermarket is ‘vertically integrated’ – and manufactures more than half of the fresh food it sells – it is in a unique position to be able to offer support to the industry. 

Andy Atkinson, Group Commercial Director at Morrisons said: “As the UK’s biggest fresh food maker we are committed to helping our customers live their life with less plastic. So we are asking our branded suppliers to join with us in reducing our plastic footprint as this is a priority for our customers.”

Morrisons has committed to a 50% reduction across its own brand primary plastic packaging by 2025. Initiatives introduced over the last 12 months will remove 9,000 tonnes of unnecessary or problematic plastic each year. Eighty three per cent of its own-brand plastic packaging is now able to be recycled.  

In 2019 Morrisons was voted the most environmentally responsible company in the UK for its work on plastics reduction at the Responsible Business Awards, run by HRH The Prince of Wales’ Business in the Community Network. Greenpeace has also repeatedly ranked Morrisons second in the supermarket industry for its plastic reduction achievements.

Morrisons work on plastic reduction sits alongside other sustainability commitments made by the supermarket including net zero emissions by 2040, a zero-deforestation plan and a 50% reduction in operational food waste by 2030. 

For more details on Morrisons sustainability commitments visit:

 https://www.morrisons-corporate.com/cr/corporate-responsibility/.