We all know that police famously say ‘Freeze!’ when they spot a criminal, but an unusual thief in Chile has brought new meaning to the exclamation.
The man was caught transporting chunks of ice totalling 5,200 kilogrammes in a refrigerated truck from a glacier in Bernardo O’Higgins National Park to the country’s capital Santiago. His aim was to carry his cargo 2,000 miles to sell to swanky cocktail bars as ‘gourmet ice cubes’ for a £3,900 price tag.
His actions are being described as an environmental crime as the ice was siphoned off the Jorge Montt Glacier, one of the world’s fastest-shrinking glaciers, already retreating half a mile a year.
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How will the government and DMOs address the challenges of including glass in DRS while ensuring a level playing field across the UK?
There's no easy solution to include glass in the DRS while maintaining a level playing field. Potential approaches include a phased introduction of glass, potentially with higher deposits to reflect its logistical challenges. The government and DMOs could incentivise innovation in glass packaging design and subsidise dedicated return points for glass-handling. Exemptions for smaller businesses unable to handle glass might also be necessary. Any successful solution will likely blend several approaches. It must address the differing priorities of devolved administrations, balance environmental benefits with logistical and cost implications, and be supported by robust consumer education campaigns emphasizing the importance of glass recycling.