European Commission Proposes Ban on Some Plastic Products

In an effort to combat plastic pollution and reduce carbon emissions, the European Commission has proposed a ban on some single-use plastic products, such as plastic cotton buds, cutlery, plates, straws, drink stirrers and sticks for balloons.

In addition, member states would be required to reduce the use of plastic food containers and drink cups by eliminating free distribution of the items and to collect 90 percent of single-use plastic drink bottles by 2025.

Bloomberg has more information:

The European Commission proposed a total ban on some single-use plastic products and measures to drastically cut the consumption of others, in the latest push by the EU to reduce carbon emissions and marine litter threatening its seas.

The ban will apply to plastic cotton buds, cutlery, plates, straws, drink stirrers and sticks for balloons, according to the proposal unveiled on Monday and is subject to approval by EU governments and the European Parliament. Member states will also be forced to reduce the use of plastic food containers and drink cups by prohibiting their free-of-charge distribution.

“Plastic can be fantastic but we need to use it more responsibly,” Commission Vice-President Jyrki Katainen said in a statement. “Today’s proposals will help business and consumers to move towards sustainable alternatives.”

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