Highlander Huw Kingston believes a solution to the problem of plastic pollution needs to start at home.

He recently spoke about this issue at TEDx Athens at the Greek National Opera House.

In front of more than 2000 people, Mr Kingston spoke about the “scourge” of bottled water and the issue of plastic pollution.

He highlighted the town of Bundanoon, which was the first town in the world to go bottle water free in 2009.

“Since that time I have worked with many communities, organisations and municipalities in their quest to reduce plastic pollution and bottled water. In the past 12-18 months there has been a massively rising interest and action in and on this huge issue,” he said. 

“Bundanoon can rightly be proud of the pivotal role it has played in this awareness. Major initiatives to combat single use plastics are being announced continually now around the world.”

While these initiatives will go a long way towards addressing the problems, Mr Kingston said it was up to individuals to change their behaviour and to reduce their individual consumption of single use plastics - bottled water, packaging, takeaway drink containers and straws.

“With 12 million tonnes of plastic entering our oceans every year I hope it is not too late. In a mere 30 years it is estimated that there will be more plastic in the oceans than fish,” he said.