Disposable plastic items including cotton buds, cutlery and straws could be outlawed under a proposal unveiled by the European Commission on 28 May. The plan targets the 10 single-use plastic products most frequently discovered on Europe’s beaches and in the oceans. “Plastic pollution is an environmental problem that affects our health as well as the environment,” said Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Karmenu Vella. Manufacturers of fishing gear will be required to cover the cost of collecting and treating waste. The proposal, prompted by China’s decision to stop importing plastic waste, is expected to save £188bn ($249bn) in environmental damage costs over the next 12 years.
Disposable plastic items including cotton buds, cutlery and straws could be outlawed under a proposal unveiled by the European Commission on 28 May. The plan targets the 10 single-use plastic products most frequently discovered on Europe’s beaches and in the oceans. Coffee cups containing plastic will be permitted if caps and lids remain attached. Manufacturers of fishing gear will be required to cover the cost of collecting and treating waste. The proposal, prompted by China’s decision to stop importing plastic waste, is expected to save £188bn ($249bn) in environmental damage costs over the next 12 years.