CUMBERLAND Council is encouraging residents across the county to reduce their plastic use this month as part of a global environmental movement. 

'Plastic Free July' encourages people to reduce their single-use plastic waste as part of the ongoing problem with plastic pollution across the planet. 

Cumberland Council have offered out a number of tips to local residents on how they can support the movement throughout the month, with the hope that it will result in cleaner streets and oceans, while also benefitting the areas of natural beauty in Cumbria. 

They suggest a number of small changes, including swapping bottles of shampoo for bars, buying a reusable water bottle, and supporting local milkmen by choosing home-delivered glass bottles instead of shop-bought plastic ones. 

Councillor Bob Kelly, Cumberland Council’s Executive Portfolio Holder for Cumberland Policy and Regulatory Services, said: 

"Cumberland Council aims to raise awareness about the impact of plastic waste on the environment and encourage individuals to make greener decisions, and Plastic Free July is an ideal time to start change in the community.

"Plastic waste is not only unsightly, but the pollution, especially in our oceans, can cause serious effects to sea life, by causing suffocation, entanglement, lacerations, infections, and internal injuries. 

"While the prospect of going plastic-free may seem overwhelming at first, it is important to remember that every small step counts. By making simple changes in our daily lives, we can collectively make a significant impact on the environment."

The council suggests that making small changes to reduce plastic use can make a massive change across an entire community and are encouraging as many people as possible to get involved with the project. 

Tips on reducing plastic pollution and information on how to sign up for the challenge can be found on the Plastic Free July website.