The 'Blue Planet effect' might be coming to County Hall in Worcester.

At Worcestershire County Council’s full meeting on Thursday two motions will be debated requesting the authority to dramatically cut back on the use of plastics both at its headquarters and its events.

And while the motions haven’t been co-originated, it seems that in some way they’ve been inspired by Sir David Attenborough’s Blue Planet II series which highlighted the shocking amount of plastic in the oceans.

One motion, put forward by Green and Lib Dem councillors says: “Council resolved to cease the use of single plastic water cups and replace them with washable, reusable alternatives and request our caterers to replace all non-recyclable hot drink containers with suitable environmentally friendly alternatives.”

The other, moved by a group of Labour councillors says: “This Council asks Cabinet to join others in the battle against single-use plastics by vowing to stop providing plastic cups, bottles, cutlery and straws at all its buildings, cafes and public events by the end of the year."

Councillor Paul Denham is one of the sponsors of the Labour group’s motion. He said: “When a national icon like David Attenborough tells you there’s a problem, people believe him and they take notice."

Councillor Matthew Jenkins is a sponsor of the Lib Dem and Green group’s motions. He said: “We’ve known about the problem for many years, but it’s suddenly risen to the top of the agenda. And this is a chance to get something done about it.

“You don’t have a lot of power as a backbench councillor, so you have to take the opportunity when it comes.”

Wendy Carter of Worcestershire Wildlife Trust said: “We’d welcome any way of reducing plastic. We know how much is in the ocean but it’s also a problem on land, in hedgerows and plastic cups can cause wildlife such as small mammals a lot of problems.

The Worcester News attempted to contact the county council’s caterers Servest but was unable to find anyone to comment.