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January 10, 2018
Naestrawataw
These are boom times for television. With more channels and choice than ever before, and with the ability to stream virtually anything that has ever been broadcast direct to any screen you care to mention, it’s a wonder that any particular programme is able to capture the public’s attention sufficiently to make an impact. But Blue Planet II has certainly done that. Setting aside the jaw dropping images, Attenborourgh’s message on marine pollution seemed to strike a chord with many, and one group of young people from Ullapool in particular.
A Scottish village has become plastic straw-free after a campaign by school pupils.
Ullapool believes it may be the first village in the UK to halt their use in all bars, restaurants and cafes.
Pupils launched the campaign due to concerns over the environmental impact of plastic straws.
Fourteen businesses in the Wester Ross village have either gone straw-free or are using alternatives to plastic, including paper straws.
The campaign was run by pupils from Ullapool Primary School and Glasgow’s Sunnyside Primary, who were on a field trip to the village, along with help from the Scottish Wildlife Trust.
Ullapool pupil Caillín Erin Patterson, 11, said: “There’s no need for plastic straws.
“If you do use a straw it shouldn’t be a throwaway one. We’re killing our seas with single-use plastic and it’s just not necessary.”straws are frequently found on beach cleans
Pupils from the Glasgow school visited Ullapool in September, where they joined local children for a trip to uninhabited Isle Martin in Loch Broom.
They found thousands of plastic straws among marine pollution during a beach clean.
The success of their campaign has been welcomed by the Scottish government.
Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: “Congratulations to the Ullapool community for recognising the problem of plastic straws and taking action.
“This is an example to communities across the country of the bold steps they can take to protect our marine environment.”from a Glasgow school helped to campaign for an end to the use of plastic straws
Noel Hawkins, an Ullapool resident and the wildlife trust’s Living Seas communities officer, added: “This achievement is wholly down to pupil power.
“The children from Sunnyside Primary School have done a great deal to raise awareness within Glasgow and their enthusiasm rubbed off on the local kids when they came to Ullapool in September.
“The pupils went door to door to speak directly to businesses, and this has clearly had an impact. I’d like to thank everyone involved for taking action after listening to the concerns of these youngsters.”
He added: “Living on the coast means we constantly see the impact of a throwaway attitude to plastic, both on our beaches and in our seas.
“Finding plastic drinking straws during beach cleans is particularly frustrating because there alternative products are available.”
The initiative is being promoted on social media with the hash tag #NaeStrawAtAw.