Much more work needs to be done on government’s bid to cut out single use plastics in its buildings.

That’s the message from Environment Minister Geoffrey Boot (pictured below).

He told Tynwald: ‘There has been a lot of work done, though there remains much more and we continue to work on that.

The government introduced a single use plastics reduction plan in July last year and each department has appointed a ‘sustainability champion’.

In reply to a question from Jason Moorhouse (Arbory, Castletown and Malew), Mr Boot said: ‘The majority of government departments have removed most unnecessary single use plastic items from their buildings, but some departments are still using up stock.’

He added that ‘resource constraints’ were affecting some departments.

‘Procurement policy allows for environmental matters and a specific mention of plastic is planned but not yet included.’

Among alternatives to plastic items being considered are refillable pens, while balloon releases are not allowed on government land.

The Minister added: ‘Easy access to tap water reduces the need for bottles, so DEFA launched a refill scheme, including many government buildings.

‘I believe that all schools have water fountains, but if lacking, the DoI will prioritise provision.’