Moves to ban plastic straws from Mearns schools have been welcomed.
Councillor Leigh Wilson was involved in talks with council officers and it has now been announced that all plastic straws in schools will be replaced with compostable ones.
The SNP councillor said pollution has received a great deal of attention recently with the success of programmes like Blue Planet 2 highlighting the extent of the problem.
Following a written submission by Mr Wilson, it was confirmed straws would be withdrawn, and a wider strategy put in place to look more generally at the use of plastic in schools.
Mr Wilson said: “Anyone who has attended a beach clean recently knows only too well the colossal issue there is of plastics polluting our landscape.
“We are fortunate in the Mearns to have a beautiful coastline with wonderful beaches in Bervie and St Cyrus, so it is important that all of us ensure they are kept as clean as possible.
“More than that though, we also have a responsibility to both sea life and wildlife and, so must take necessary measures to keep them safe.
“Plastic straws are entirely unnecessary and more people are recognising that there are perfectly legitimate alternatives to use instead.
“This is something I have been campaigning on for a while so I am heartened to see Aberdeenshire Council take this step and hopefully it will be a catalyst for further progress.”
Nationally, the Scottish Government has announced a deposit return scheme for used drinks cans and bottles in Scotland, with the intention of promoting greater recycling and a more sustainable way of dealing with waste.
The specific design of the project is currently being progressed.
Mr Wilson added: “Inverbervie, in my ward, have entered the 2018 Beautiful Scotland Competition.
“It is fitting that this development coincides with that, but it is also a reminder of the responsibility we all have to protect our natural environment.
“Brighter Bervie do a tremendous job in adding colour to the Burgh.
“We should build on that work and extend the ethos around the community too.”
Alistair Reid, part of the economic development team at Aberdeenshire Council, said plastic straws have been withdrawn and replaced with compostable ones.
He said: “There may be a few tetra packs in stock containing juice or milk which still have plastic straws attached, but catering services has worked with suppliers and such packs are no longer being purchased.”
