Environmentalist wants action on polystyrene containers

Tuesday 03 November 2020

Having researched how long it would take the States to outlaw polystyrene foam containers, an environmental campaigner intends to launch a "ground-level assault" in an attempt to force through change.

Rob Gregson raised concerns over polystyrene containers ahead of the election, asking why they are still in use and highlighting more environmentally-friendly alternatives.

Research he has carried out indicates that the containers cost retailers around 5p less per unit than cardboard alternatives. During his election campaign, he proposed taxing them in order to disincentivise their future use. 

After further conversations Mr Gregson, who finished 52nd in the island-wide poll with 5,415 votes, realised it would likely take years before legislation could be drafted, discussed, consulted upon, approved, legislated and implemented.

Pictured: Maryland has made the news in recent weeks after it became the first US state to ban the use of foam containers for takeouts. It is an example that Mr Gregson would like to see Guernsey follow, however he has concerns about the speed of our legislative process. 

It is a long-winded and ineffectual system which he wants the States to change. In the meantime, he is thinking of ways to change habits around single-use polystyrene waste. 

"Doing that by changing the law will be quite a slow process, although I think it should happen," he said. "What that will probably mean is a ground-level assault will be the way to go in the short-term."

While he is disappointed not to have secured election to the States, the Extinction Rebellion campaigner plans to continue fighting for environmental change.

"I am thinking about what I am really passionate about. [Had I been elected] I would have focussed on what I am most interested in, which is the environment."

Mr Gregson said he planned to talk to others with a similar focus, including some other election candidates with an environmental conscience, before taking his ideas forward.