Chesterfield environmental group tackling confusion over compostable plastics at online meeting

Compostable and biodegradeable plastic packaging has been touted as the solution to our single-use, throw-away lifestyle, allowing consumers to enjoy products guilt-free.

But the group says it’s not that simple.

The issue is complicated, not only for consumers, but also for many small businesses that have been trying to do the right thing by making the switch from plastics to biodegradeable and compostable alternatives.

Plastic Free Chesterfield is responding to this through an online meeting to discuss these issues in detail.

The group has invited Andrew Cross, chairman of Plastic Free Torridge to speak at the meeting.

Greg Hewitt, community lead at Plastic Free Chesterfield, said: "Since we started our campaign many people and businesses have told us about their confusions around compostable plastics.

"They can often be seen as the solution but the more you look into them, the more you realise it's not as simple as it seems."

Andrew Cross added: Many people do not understand the difference between the terms compostable and biodegradable.

“Many companies take advantage of this – we call it Greenwash.

"I will be enlightening the Chesterfield community by highlighting what to look for and why so they can spot Greenwash, form better opinions and make better decisions.”

The online meeting is being held on Wednesday, February 17 at 7pm on Zoom.

People wishing to attend should register for their place here.