A petition calling on Dundee City Council to end the use of disposable plastics has been backed by a Tayside environmental group.
The initiative aims to end the use of throw-away plastics in council buildings and any event licensed by the council due to concerns about pollution.
More than 100 people have already pledged their support for the campaign.
It is unclear who started the petition, which states: “Plastic pollution is an enormous problem and right now.
“From cutlery to cups, loads of plastic is used by the council in their offices and at events. Most of it gets thrown away after just one use, and winds up in landfill sites, or our parks and rivers.”
So far 132 people have signed the petition, which aims to gather 200 signatures.
Friends of the Earth Tayside coordinator Andrew Llanwarne said the pressure group support the idea.
According to Mr Llanwarne, local authorities such as Dundee City Council should set a precedent by outlawing “single-use plastics”.
He said: “Friends of the Earth Tayside supports initiatives to reduce waste and encourage recycling.
“Whilst some waste decomposes quickly, plastic waste is a big problem as it remains in our environment for decades.
“As well as the visual impact in towns and the countryside, it accumulates in the seas, where wildlife is choked by bits of plastic.
“Therefore we would like to see all local authorities setting an example to businesses and the general public by avoiding the use of single-use plastics, and experimenting with alternative biodegradable materials if disposable products have to be used occasionally.”
In response to the calls, a Dundee City Council spokesperson said: “The council is committed to promoting the reuse of materials and encourages both businesses and residents to do as much of this as they can.”
For more on the petition click here.
