THANKS to the nation’s favourite naturalist Sir David Attenborough we now understand much more about how modern life is endangering animal species.

The footage from his last Blue Planet series revealed the extent of plastic waste on sea creatures in particular, shocking millions of people around the world and prompting more positive action.

Many UK businesses are now signing up to the Plastic Pact to cut plastic waste and make packaging reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025. More of us are demanding this kind of environmentally-conscious packaging and the Prime Minister has cutting plastic pollution at the top of the political agenda.

It will probably, however, be children who make the greatest difference long-term here. Our youngsters have greater, idealistic expectations that will, hopefully, focus the next generation of minds on creating more sustainable solutions – working in tandem with the planet rather than just using up its resources.

Innovation in this field is already happening but it’s a safe bet that more will happen in the next decade or two.