European officials agree on ban of some single-use plastics
Source: Associated Press
European officials agree on ban of some single-use plastics
By FRANK JORDANS
December 19, 2018
BERLIN (AP) — Plastic knives just won’t cut it any longer, if the European Union has its way.
The 28-nation bloc moved closer to banning single-use straws, plates, cutlery and cotton swabs, after officials from EU member states and the European Parliament on Wednesday backed recommendations by its executive branch designed to reduce marine pollution.
Environmental campaigners have been calling for curbs on throwaway plastic that’s accumulating in the oceans because, unlike organic materials, it doesn’t decompose but simply breaks down into ever smaller pieces.
-snip-
Once the ban is formally approved, countries will have two years to restrict the use of single-use plastic products, which will also include drink stirrers, balloon sticks, and polystyrene food and beverage containers, though plastic cups are exempt for now.
-snip-
Read more: https://apnews.com/29d6044699e04c1a8df9dee20ff4537a