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EU proposes ban on straws, other single-use plastics
News:
- The European Union proposed on a bloc-wide ban on single-use plastics.
- A bloc is a group of countries which have similar political aims and interests and that act together over some issues.
Important facts:
- This set of proposals is a part of EU’s quest to get rid of plastic waste. They are concerned about the increasing use of plastic in the food chain.
- China’s decision to ban imports of foreign waste products for recycling led EU to come with this proposal along with a proposal in January.
- In January EU proposed for all plastic packaging in Europe to be recycled by 2030
- These proposals can only be executed only when 28 EU member countries and the European Parliament gives their approval.
- Highlights of the current proposal:
- Ban of single-use plastics such as plastic cotton buds, cutlery, plates, straws, drink stirrers and balloon sticks,
- These items are suggested to be made from sustainable materials instead,
- Member countries must collect most of plastic drinks bottles by 2025 through deposit refund scheme,
- Reduction in the use of plastic food containers and drinks cups by member states,
- Contribution of producers to the costs of waste management,
- The producers will be offered incentives to develop less polluting alternatives and
- The producers need to clearly label products and inform consumers how the waste should be disposed of.
