We’ve been campaigning in Cheshire West against single-use plastics for around nine years, achieving Plastic Free Community accreditation for Chester in 2018 through Surfers Against Sewage.
Across the globe, people are taking local action to tackle plastic pollution — from beach cleans to refill schemes — but we also need governments to deliver stronger legislation. That’s why so many hopes were pinned on the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations in Geneva this month, with the expectation of seeing meaningful, positive commitments.
Plastic and Human Health — Why It Matters to All of Us
Plastic pollution is no longer just an environmental issue — it’s now a direct human health concern. Microplastics have been found in our blood, lungs, and even placentas, meaning they can enter our bodies through the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. Many plastics contain toxic chemicals such as bisphenols and phthalates, which can disrupt hormones, impair fertility, and increase the risk of certain cancers. Recent research also links plastic particles to inflammation and cardiovascular disease. With global plastic production still rising, these health risks are set to grow unless urgent action is taken to cut plastic use at its source.
What Happened – The Global Plastics Treaty
UK campaigners entered the Geneva negotiations with high hopes for a strong, legally binding treaty to tackle plastics across their full lifecycle.
However, the final round of negotiations (August 2025) ended in deadlock, with no agreement reached. While over 100 countries supported ambitious measures — including caps on plastic production, bans on harmful products, and funding for global implementation — a small but influential bloc of petro-states, joined by the United States, opposed production limits and pushed for voluntary waste-management approaches instead.
Two draft texts were put forward but neither gained consensus, and procedural rules requiring unanimous agreement allowed opponents to stall progress. The talks closed without a timeline for resumption, leaving campaigners warning that the world had missed a crucial chance to address the escalating plastics crisis at its source.
Why Helen Tandy Is Speaking at The Plastic Free Gathering
Helen Tandy, Director of Eco Communities and a champion of Plastic Free Cheshire, will be speaking at The Plastic Free Gathering UK in Birmingham on 20 September 2025 (in person & online).
Her participation matters because:
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Local voice on a global stage – Helen brings frontline knowledge, from community refill schemes to awareness-raising, connecting grassroots work to high-level policy.
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A response to global faltering – With the treaty stalled, local action becomes even more crucial. Helen will spotlight community-driven solutions and their potential for wider adoption.
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Inspiration and connections – The Gathering is a platform for collaboration, helping nurture cross-sector networks that can sustain momentum from the grassroots up.
Five Actions You Can Take Now
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Sign the People Vs Plastic Petition – Amplify demand for a strong global treaty. Add your voice here.
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Support local refill culture – Buy in bulk, use reusable containers, and cut down on single-use plastics.
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Engage with local authorities and retailers – Encourage councils, businesses, and schools to adopt zero-waste practices and refill-friendly policies.
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Join or kick off community activities – Take part in Refill Cheshire initiatives, litter picks, or sustainability education. (See What’s On for our next litter pick!)
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Attend (or tune into) The Plastic Free Gathering – Share insights, learn from others, and help build a movement that transcends borders.
A Question for Chester & Cheshire West Residents
Since most Zero Waste Shops in Cheshire West closed, many in our region lack easy access to refillable items like washing liquids, making zero-waste living harder.
We want to know whether you’d support a not-for-profit, community-run refill delivery service in Chester and Cheshire West & Chester:
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Would you use it? (Yes / No / Maybe)
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What products would you want delivered? (e.g. cleaning liquids, laundry detergent, toiletries)
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How often? (Weekly, monthly, or as your containers empty)
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What would make it appealing? (Price, convenience, environmental trust, local ownership, etc.)
Your feedback will help Eco Communities assess the feasibility and structure of a local, sustainable refill delivery network.
Final Thoughts
UK campaigners wanted a globally enforceable treaty that targeted the production, design, and elimination of harmful plastics. Though the Geneva talks ended without that breakthrough, the journey continues — grounded in local action.
Through petitions, community conversations, gatherings like Birmingham’s, and potential local initiatives such as a refill delivery scheme, we keep hope — and real change — alive.
Let’s reclaim agency. Let’s keep communities at the heart. And let’s ask: Could a local refill delivery scheme be our next step toward a plastic-free future in Cheshire West?
