Could your milkman help solve ocean pollution crisis?

With the UK’s recycling rate slowing down for the first time in five years, some think the time could be right for a return to the 70s – when it comes to our daily pint at least.

Back then almost 95% of the UK had its milk delivered to the doorstep in glass milk bottles. By 2012 that had dropped to less than 4%.

But the increase in use of plastic materials for packaging is ever increasing. It’s estimated the UK currently buys over 750 million plastic bottles every year.

Dustin Benton, policy director for the Green Alliance, says: "If you reuse glass bottles then the carbon footprint of that is about 60% less than if you use plastic. So there is an obvious carbon benefit.

:: Sky Ocean Rescue: How to get involved

"And the other thing is that glass bottles, particularly when they’re reused don’t really cause a litter problem, and plastic litter getting into the oceans is one of the world’s big environmental problems."

Stuart Arch’s family firm delivers 9,000 pints of week to doorsteps around Coventry. About 40% of those are in glass bottles.

But despite the environmental benefits of reusable bottles being delivered by an electric milk float, the majority of customers are older people who prefer the taste and tradition of glass.

But there is a glimmer of hope. Stuart says: "I’ve had two or three younger customers in the last month who’ve asked to switch over from plastic containers to glass bottles. Mainly for environmental reasons, but also for the taste."

Sky is now actively campaigning for the introduction of a bottle return scheme for plastic bottles.

And using more glass could also be a way forward. One of the main problems though, is cost.

A pint of milk in a glass bottle delivered by Stuart costs around 70p. A four pint carton is around £1.70.

Stuart’s father Derek (at 88 Britain’s oldest milkman) sums it up with the benefit of his 75 years of experience in the trade.

"I don’t think you’ll swing anybody, lad. Well maybe one or two," he tells me, pipe in hand.

"Because when it comes to brass, that makes a hell of a difference."

:: You can find out more about Sky Ocean Rescue and get involved by visiting the campaign’s website and you can also watch our documentary, A Plastic Tide.

(c) Sky News 2017: Could your milkman help solve ocean pollution crisis?