Chemicals - what we are calling for

First, we would like to see Wales develop its own chemical strategy to protect human health, the environment and the climate from dangerous chemicals.

This would encompass chemicals from all walks of life from agricultural and pharmaceutical products to things like paints and refrigerants. 

Second, given that supermarket fridges and freezers use around 1% of the UKs electricity supply and that this could be cut significantly if supermarkets were to simply put doors on all fridges and freezers, we would like to see all supermarket chains in Wales commit to doing this by the end of 2022. Failing this, we call on the Welsh Government to find a way to legislate for this to happen. This would not only reduce electricity usage but also HFC usage.

While HFCs are being steadily reduced as a result of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, Project Drawdown does however suggest that ‘lowering the demand/use of appliances and thereby production of refrigerants’  is an effective way of reducing emissions from refrigerants

Third, we would like to see the Welsh Government phase out the use of Glyphosate in Wales and set itself a timetable for this. There are some very serious concerns about Glyphosate, both in terms of human health and also that of bees and other insects.

Countries and regions around the world have already taken action to restrict or ban glyphosate, including Austria in 2019.  

An immediate cessation of using glyphosate in areas used by children such as parks and playing fields should be brought in as soon as possible.

Things we can do

Chemicals