Dangerous weed killers, single use plastics and peat could be banned by Doncaster Council in fight to tackle climate change

Addressing councillors, Mayor Jones gave an update on the work of the council-run climate commission which has met a number of times since September after declaring a ‘climate emergency’.

The group, chaired by Doncaster North MP Ed Miliband in private, involves a range of public and private sector partners to discuss best practices and aims in bringing net zero carbon emissions.

Mayor Jones said the council needs to go ‘further and faster’ in their bid to reduce emissions and help offset climate change.

She said a number of measures would be outlined at the next full council meeting in May but did reveal banning dangerous weed killers, peat and single used plastics would form part of the larger agenda.

Doncaster will follow a number of councils across the country in stopping the use of glyphosate herbicides which has been linked to non-Hodgkin lymphoma in the USA.

Peat was also mentioned in the mayor’s address which is partially decomposed plant material found in bogs.

It’s commonly used in compost for gardens but the intense excavation of peat releases vast amounts of carbon and methane into the atmosphere.

“We need to go further and faster - and that’s why I’m announcing my intention to make a number of pledges at May’s full council meeting.

“These pledges will include ceasing the use of peat, glyphosate herbicides and single use plastics and planting more trees across Doncaster.

“I have asked officers to work up the plans and timescales by which we can achieve them.

“Since declaring a climate and biodiversity emergency this council has approved investment in electric cars, charging infrastructure and is implementing energy efficiency schemes across council buildings and housing stock, and major projects such as our new library and cinema development have solar panels.

“As a council we have already invested in LED street lights and insulating our council housing stock.

“We will continue to work on initiatives that will reduce our emissions and ensure sustainable use of our resources.”