This morning, Luke Douglas-Home, better known as The Coastline Runner, was featured on BBC Breakfast, speaking with Jonah Fisher, the BBC’s Environment Correspondent, about the global fight against plastic pollution. With the INC-5 negotiations underway in Busan, this marks a critical moment in the effort to establish a legally binding treaty to combat the plastic crisis.
Luke’s message was powerful and direct: while treaties are vital, the real power to drive change lies in the hands of individuals and communities. It’s this grassroots action, combined with systemic reform, that will turn the tide on plastic pollution.
"We’ve got to stop treating our environment like a bottomless waste bin—because it’s not." - Luke Douglas-Home
Running for Change
Since November 2021, Luke has been running the UK’s coastlines, covering over 770 km and collecting more than 750 kg of plastic waste along the way. That’s the equivalent of 70,000 single-use bottles that will no longer pollute our seas. But Luke’s mission goes far beyond the physical act of collecting rubbish; it’s about sparking conversations, inspiring change, and demonstrating the power of collective action.
Through every stretch of his run, Luke engages with local communities, encouraging them to participate in beach cleanups, rethink their habits, and take steps toward reducing plastic waste. His work shows how one person’s efforts can ripple out into wider systemic change.
INC-5: A Turning Point
Luke’s feature on BBC Breakfast comes at a crucial time as world leaders gather in Busan for INC-5, the final round of negotiations to create an international treaty on plastic pollution. With around 20 million tonnes of plastic entering our oceans every year—the equivalent of a garbage truck dumping its load every minute—this treaty could be a game-changer.
Inspiring Future Leaders
A heartwarming part of Luke’s BBC feature was his visit to Seabrook C of E Primary School, where he met with a group of passionate young Eco Guardians. Through engaging discussions, Luke inspired these students to think about solutions for plastic pollution—both in their daily lives and on a larger scale.
From creative ideas like turning waste into art to advocating for bans on harmful materials like polystyrene, the students’ enthusiasm and ingenuity were a testament to the potential of the next generation to lead the fight for a cleaner planet.
Communities as Catalysts
Luke’s journey has always been about more than just running. It’s about connecting with people, empowering communities, and showing that collective action matters. From Folkestone to Leith, Luke has partnered with local groups and county, borough, town and parish councils to improve the cleaning of beaches and raise awareness about the plastic crisis.
The Message
As INC-5 unfolds in Busan, Luke’s work reminds us that while global treaties are critical, every individual action counts. From the choices we make at home to the conversations we have in our communities, we all have the power to contribute to a healthier, cleaner planet.
Catch the full interview below or on our YouTube channel, and follow Luke’s journey at The Coastline Runner.
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