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Published on: 22/05/2019 05:22 AMReported by: roving-eye
The government confirms a ban on plastic straws, stirrers, and cotton buds to slash plastic waste.
Environment Secretary Michael Gove has today confirmed a ban on plastic straws, drinks stirrers, and plastic stemmed cotton buds in England, following overwhelming public support for the move. Following an open consultation, a ban on the supply of plastic straws, drinks stirrers and cotton buds will come into force in April 2020. The ban will include exemptions to ensure that those with medical needs or a disability are able to continue to access plastic straws. The government’s response to the consultation published today (22 May) reveals over 80% of respondents back a ban on the distribution and sale of plastic straws, 90% a ban on drinks stirrers, and 89% a ban on cotton buds. There are instances where using plastic straws is necessary for medical reasons and the government will therefore ensure that those that need to use plastic straws for medical reasons can still access them. Registered pharmacies will be allowed to sell plastic straws over the counter or online. Catering establishments such as restaurants, pubs and bars will not be able to display plastic straws or automatically hand them out, but they will be able to provide them on request. The government believes this strikes the right balance between reducing environmental impact while protecting the rights of people with medical conditions and disabilities. The government will carry out a stocktake after one year to assess the impact of these measures and whether the balance is correct. In England, it is estimated that annually we use 4.7 billion plastic straws, 316 million plastic stirrers and 1.8 billion plastic-stemmed cotton buds. An estimated 10% of cotton buds are flushed down toilets and can end up in waterways and oceans. Environment Secretary Michael Gove said:
Urgent and decisive action is needed to tackle plastic pollution and protect our environment. These items are often used for just a few minutes but take hundreds of years to break down, ending up in our seas and oceans and harming precious marine life.
So today I am taking action to turn the tide on plastic pollution, and ensure we leave our environment in a better state for future generations.
Surfers Against Sewage welcome the ban on plastic straws, stirrers and cotton buds. Stopping the production and distribution of these single-use plastic menaces will prevent them from polluting beaches nationwide. It’s a really positive and bold step in the right direction in the battle against plastic pollution.
It is also helps further drive plastic-free options and alternatives for the public so they can truly make more sustainable choices in their daily lives.
Lauren West, Trailblazers Manager at Muscular Dystrophy UK, said:
Plastic straws are sometimes the only type of straw that work for disabled people due to their flexibility and ability to be used in hot and cold drinks. While we appreciate the need to reduce the use of plastics, traditional single-use straws are essential for some disabled people.
If disabled people cannot access plastic straws when out it could put their health at risk as they may not be able to drink and could become dehydrated. We’re pleased the Government has recognised this in its proposals put forward today. We would encourage Defra to continue consulting disabled people and groups like Trailblazers to ensure we are not disadvantaged or targeted and stigmatised for using single-use plastics.
Single-use plastics can be defined as all products that are made wholly or partly of plastic and are typically intended to be used just once and/or for a short period of time before being disposed of.
The government will ban the supply of plastic stirrers.
The government will ban the supply of plastic stemmed cotton buds, with an exemption for scientific uses. This will cover use in medical practice, scientific research and forensic purposes to support criminal investigations.
Before new cars are made, consideration is given to the safety of the vehicle. Before medicines/foods appear on the market - research is carried out into the health and safety issues. Why was plastic not tested for its disposal and safety of the environment before being launched on the market?
Are the same concerns being applied to plastic cooking utensils, plastic garden equipment, plastic used on cars etc.,? Or are there only concerns where higher profits can be made?
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Ceam says:22/05/2019 05:01 PM
Originally Posted by said
Before new cars are made, consideration is given to the safety of the vehicle. Before medicines/foods appear on the market - research is carried out into the health and safety issues. Why was plastic not tested for its disposal and safety of the environment before being launched on the market?
Are the same concerns being applied to plastic cooking utensils, plastic garden equipment, plastic used on cars etc.,? Or are there only concerns where higher profits can be made?
I'd have said it was more for single use items. But you carry on with your conspiracy theory.
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