We have come a long way in reducing plastic. But still, today, the world is discarding about 268 million tonnes of plastic each year, and recycling only about 14% of that. Oddly in the wealthy countries that can afford to spend on recycling facilities, only about 5% is recycled. This leaves around 200 million tonnes continuing to accumulate in our seas, rivers and landfill, or being burned with harmful particles entering the atmosphere. Add to this that recent studies have found biodegradable bags also can leave harmful byproduct in the soil, and it can be seen that the answer if for each of us to use less plastic. Government nudges are welcome in this pursuit, and many of us now use less plastic bags for shopping than we once did due to government nudges. Maybe the real conservatives - those who want to conserve the environment as well as their best way of life - ought to start voting green? The oldest traditions of not using plastic were always the best, after all.