Reduce litter and waste Expand Litter has a significant and far-reaching social, environmental, and economic impact on communities. Wales is currently the only nation in the UK not to have a Litter Strategy even though it is the most talked about ‘on the doorstep’ issue. We believe that a prevention-focused approach is needed. Whilst current household recycling rates have exceeded current targets, waste prevention has been largely overlooked and we believe that it is time for similarly ambitious Welsh Government targets for waste reduction overall, including plans and investment for the transition to a circular economy. We want the next Government of Wales: To develop and implement an integrated Litter Prevention Plan for Wales which measures progress annually. To introduce waste reduction targets which will further our ambition to become a ‘Zero Waste’ nation. To continue to drive significant reduction of the consumption of single use plastics. To implement an ‘all-in’ Deposit Return Scheme designed to maximise an economic potential for Wales. To ensure that a robust mechanism for Extended Producer Responsibility is introduced to cover all single use materials until their end of life, including the cost of littering. To further ensure that all revenue is equitably distributed across devolved governments. To create a consistent approach to waste and recycling across all local authorities based on best practice and making it as easy as possible for people to do the right thing.
Create and protect our green spaces Expand There is overwhelming evidence that accessible green spaces have a positive impact on mental and physical health, both as a preventative measure and as a treatment. With the proportion of Welsh Government’s budget spent on health growing every year, and with mental health problems costing an estimated £7.2 billion a year, it is becoming increasingly clear that there is a need to bring co-ordinated green volunteering into Wales’ mainstream health provision. But green spaces are not only of benefit to us. Creating a biodiverse haven where nature can flourish feeds into the wider global initiative to combat the climate emergency. We want the next Government of Wales: To support the creation of a ‘natural’ health service, embedding green volunteering in mainstream healthcare, supported through long-term public sector investment. To introduce legal protection for public owned parks and green spaces and introduce a statutory duty to manage these to a Green Flag standard by 2025. To recognise the impact of additional costs for visitor destinations and consider the introduction of a levy on visitor accommodation / services to support and promote protection of the local natural environment. To commit to investing in programmes which deliver accessible green spaces for everybody. To commit to long-term financial support for volunteering, enabling skills development and job opportunities.
Empower young people to drive positive environmental change Expand Behaviour change through education is one of the most important investments we can make in creating a more sustainable and resilient future. Giving young people the knowledge and understanding to drive positive environmental change will not only empower them to take action but enable them to influence others in the wider community. We want the next Government of Wales: To mandate that all schools in Wales achieve Green Flag Eco-Schools status to support the aspiration of the new national curriculum for young people to become ethical, informed citizens of Wales and the world. To provide funding support to ensure adequate provision of education resources and training on the climate emergency, which will lead to action at a local level. To ensure resources are available for a climate emergency youth voice.