Cornwall-based Kris Meaden’s fabulous photograpy often graces the front pages of Britain’s newspapers, generally following a storm when his stunning shots capture spectacular waves which seemingly are about to wash the coast-side buildings into the raging seas. Childhood connections mean we’re Facebook friends, and a couple of weeks back I saw a different type of picture grace my feed, accompanied by the words: "The world is choking on plastic. The recent storms and heavy winds washed up massive amounts of plastic pollution onto Cornish coastlines. These events turn beaches into 'multicoloured' scenes of devastation, dumping microplastics, nets, rope and industrial, cargo-related waste." 

  

Naturally I got in touch, and was dismayed to learn that Kris’ picture only shows around half of what he collected from the stretch of beach from Penzance to Newlyn, (often at night at low tide) as he’d already recycled loads of large plastic and glass bottles. “I've said before I think I'm not doing enough,” he said. “However, if I just save one bird or seal from getting tangled up, it's all been worth it.” 

  

I’d like to thank Kris not only for his hard work in collecting the debris but also in publicising the problem so well. I often draw attention to the man-made pollution of our waterways but it’s only when people see something like this, that the extent of the problem is really brought home. I’d also like to thank all the others who take the time and trouble to collect and responsibly deal with rubbish others have dropped without thought of the damage it can do – not only on our beaches but around the countryside too. They’re doing a great job but they really shouldn’t be having to do it, should they? 

  

When I say this is a global problem, I’m aware that some countries have more upstanding citizens than others when it comes to polluting the environment or not, and that we all have different levels of penalties for transgressors. I’m jealous of the systems in some countries whereby children are well-educated in our need to protect the environment and not pollute it. We really do all need to work together to stop the rot, don't we? What's the answer though? How do we go about it?