Prince Harry urges action on single-use plastic bottles on last day of Morocco visit
The royal advises the boss of a Moroccan recycling firm to put "pressure" on big companies that manufacture plastic bottles.
Monday 25 February 2019 19:09, UK
Prince Harry has urged recycling firms to put "more pressure" on big companies to end the production of single-use plastic bottles during a visit to Morocco.
The 34-year-old royal said the problem of avoidable waste needed to be tackled at its source.
He made the comments during a conversation with Youssef Chaqor, the boss of a Moroccan company that recycles household products and cooking oil.
On their third and final day in Morocco, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex met entrepreneurs who have started companies aimed at tackling the country's social, economic and environmental issues.
The couple, who are expecting their first child in the spring, attended the event at the National Museum of Jewellery in the Andalusian Gardens in the capital Rabat.
They appeared in high spirits as they wandered hand-in-hand through the green spaces observing local arts and crafts, and laughed as a stray cat crossed their path.
Children greeted waved UK and Moroccan flags to greet the couple, before they were presented with gifts including flowers and a painting.
Speaking with Mr Chaqor, who runs Eko-Geste, Harry asked if recycling in Morocco was like other parts of the world "where they think they are recycling but they are not - it ends up being dumped".
He said: "You need to put more pressure on the big companies."
The prince said that while big companies may offer funding to environmental projects, "they are still producing single-use plastic bottles".
"Go to the source," he added.
The couple later toured stands and met the founders of Zyne, a luxury shoe brand employing women from poor parts of Morocco.
Heavily pregnant Meghan is said to have admired a pair of their shoes, which sell for £400-£600.
She reportedly said: "Wow, this is a kickass heel," according to company founder Zineb Britel.
Earlier in the day, Harry and Meghan spent time with horses at the Royal Moroccan Equestrian Club Dar Essalam to learn more about the country's programme of supporting children with disabilities through equine therapy.
Meghan said she sympathised with a nervous Shetland pony she met there, admitting she sometimes gets a little "camera shy".
They watched children grooming three ponies named Caramel, Xina and Molly.
Noticing how Molly was shaking, Harry joked: "Has anyone got any carrots? She's a bit nervous, this one."
Meghan replied: "Well, we all get a little camera shy, I understand."