LOCAL MSP IN DRIVE TO TACKLE EXCESS PACKAGING (Jim Hume)

LOCAL MSP IN DRIVE TO TACKLE EXCESS PACKAGING

April 28, 2008 12:00 AM

Jim Hume, MSP for the South of Scotland and Shadow Environment spokesperson, launched a campaign to tackle excess packaging in Scotland at a recent visit to the Eco Deco waste management and treatment centre in Dumfries.

The MSP has lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament warning the Scottish Government not to wash its hands of the issue and urging Ministers to take decisive action to tackle excess packaging.

Jim Hume said:-

"Eco Deco is doing a great job. It's really encouraging to see this facility using the latest technology to extract all useful resources from household rubbish to minimise the amount of waste that ends up in landfill sites. But prevention is always better than cure, which is why I'm launching my campaign to tackle excess packaging.

"Much of the legislation governing excess packaging is reserved to Westminster where Scottish Liberal Democrat MP Jo Swinson is leading the fight to change the law on packaging.

The MSP continued:-

"The Scottish Government cannot wash its hands of this issue however. I want to see tackling excess packaging as a central objective for the Scottish Government's Supermarket Summit. There are several other devolved areas where Ministers can take action, including working with product designers and manufacturers to encourage them to use sustainable designs and materials. Ministers could also develop improved packaging guidelines and should make it easier for consumers to complain if they feel the packaging around products is unnecessary."

Keith Mycock, Libdem candidate for the Abbey By Election, commented after the visit to Eco Deco:-

"Our visit to the Eco Deco Plant was most interesting, I found the plant innovative and yet uncomplicated. It appears to be the answer to many recycling and land fill problems. I will follow its progress with interest to see if it lives up to it's environmental and financial promise."