Plastic accounted for almost 60% of litter found on UK beaches The amount of rubbish on the UK's beaches has reached its highest level ever, according to a survey. The Marine Conservation Society found that litter has increased by 110% since 1994 to 2,195 pieces per kilometre. The society said the rubbish can harm wildlife and wants the government to develop a "co-ordinated marine litter strategy" to tackle the problem. But the government has dismissed the call for a new approach, saying it is an "issue of personal responsibility". Emma Snowden, a co-ordinator at the Marine Conservation Society (MCS), said: "Litter can harm and kill wildlife through ingestion and entanglement but it can also be harmful to people." She added that it costs millions to clear from the coastline, discourages tourists and can damage fishing... [read full story]
