LET'S INVESTIGATE TO STOP THE PLASTIC CRISIS
Next week, thousands of people across the UK are taking part in the biggest ever investigation into household plastic.
Together we’re collecting the evidence needed to push the government, supermarkets and companies to tackle the plastic crisis.
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JOIN THE UK'S BIGGEST PLASTIC INVESTIGATION
48,253
people and you!
Count your plastic for one week – 16-22 May 2022.
Next week, across the country, households of all shapes and sizes, schools, community groups and businesses, will gather new evidence. How much plastic are we really having to throw away, and what happens to it?
We’ll show the government it’s time to commit: reduce single plastic use by 50% by 2025 by switching to reusable options that work for everyone – and ban sending our waste to other countries.
Watch our video
How it works
Taking part is easy – there are 3 simple steps:
SIGN UP NOW
We’ll send you a free pack with everything you need (on recycled paper and plastic-free of course!)
Get counting
Join thousands across the UK and tally all the plastic packaging you throw away for one week – 16-22 May. Then submit your results on our simple website.
Know your plastic
We’ll give you a personal plastic footprint and reveal what really happens to plastic when it leaves your home. Once all the results are in, we’ll share the national picture, and the next steps on pushing the government into action.
DO YOU KNOW A SCHOOL THAT COULD TAKE PART?
We've created a teacher's pack and free resources, including classroom-based activities and a PowerPoint lesson for 9-12 years. We'd love your local school to get involved!
We know that teachers have a lot on their plate so schools can do The Big Plastic Count in any week that suits them. The only thing to remember is that data submission closes on the 31st May.
FAQs
What if we use a lot of plastic?
Please remember, this isn't about feeling guilty about the amount of plastic you use! Too much single-use plastic is produced and there aren't reusable alternatives that suit everyone's needs.
What if a few items get skipped, or we miss a day?
If everyone does 7 whole days we get better data and stronger evidence. But if you miss something, don't worry…
lead partner
funded by
in partnership with
education partner
academic partner
Testimonials
Having counted my plastic waste for an entire year, I know how powerful this investigation can be in helping to understand the true extent of the plastic problem. The Big Plastic Count is a simple yet impactful way to discover your household plastic footprint, whilst contributing vital evidence to push the government for long overdue change.
Daniel Webb
Founder Everyday Plastic
It’s ridiculous that we’re still swamped with plastic waste when it makes so many of us furious. The natural world can’t cope with it, and we need to find out what’s really happening to plastic that’s supposedly recycled. That’s why I’ll be joining The Big Plastic Count - let’s do this!
Chris Packham
Wildlife TV presenter & conservationist
Everything on Planet Earth is connected so if we don’t drastically lower or eradicate our use of single-use plastics they will pollute the food we eat, the water we drink and the air we breathe. I am getting involved in The Big Plastic Count because I know as individuals we can make a difference and I want to be part of the change I long to see.
Bonnie Wright
Actor and Director
Consequences of the plastic crisis are disproportionately felt by poorer communities and communities of colour. We must bring an end to this injustice. Let’s push the government to take ambitious action on plastic - join The Big Plastic Count now!
Maja Darlington
Greenpeace Campaigner