AN ENVIRONMENTAL activist from Inverclyde has launched a national petition to ban all single-use plastics across Scotland.

Stephen Henry from Gourock is calling on the Scottish Government to block the likes of polystyrene plastic cups, takeaway boxes and plastic cutlery.

Stephen, who has organised several clean-up events around the area over the last year or so, hopes Tele readers will join his fight and sign the petition.

He said: "Plastic has become so cheap, it is literally thrown away without a thought.

"Something like the equivalent of a truckload of plastic is dumped into the world’s waterways every minute.

"This has a huge and negative impact on wildlife and the environment.

"I am urging the Scottish Government to ban all single-use plastic in Scotland and suggesting that there should be an initial focus on food and drink-related items."

Stephen knows only too well the impact single-use plastic is having on the local environment.

He organises regular litter picks and beach cleans through his online community forum the 'Literati Guide to Inverclyde'.

Stephen says polystyrene plastic cups, takeaway boxes and plastic forks, plates, straws, bags, sauce holders and give-away toys are blighting our natural environment.

Stephen added: "We need to take action now before it's too late.

"We need radical and transformational policy to address the issues which are driving this reliance on single use plastic.

"Scotland has an opportunity to take the lead and be seen as one of the most environmentally progressive countries in the world."

In the petition, Stephen has provided an extensive list of other countries, states and cities which have taken steps to tackle single use plastics.

He said: "Kenya banned plastic bags in 2017, introducing sentences of up to four years in jail or a $38k fine for those who break the rules, while Vanuatu has announced the phasing-out of plastic bags and bottles.

"Taiwan has announced a restriction on plastic bags, straws, utensils and cups and Zimbabwe has announced a total ban on polystyrene."

To sign Stephen's online petition go to www.parliament.scot/GettingInvolved/Petitions/BanSingleUsePlastics