The UK Government to Ban the Sale of Single Use Plastic In England Hopefully in Force by Next Year

     The move comes as part of plans to protect rivers, oceans, and meet the UK government’s 25 Year Environment Plan to eliminate “avoidable” plastic waste.  22 October, the government said it intends to introduce a ban, which would come into force at some point between October 2019 and October 2020, subject to a new consultation.  In England, it is estimated that 4.7 billion plastic straws and 316 million plastic stirrers are used every year. It is thought to take hundreds of years to break down the single-use plastic items and cleaning up their effects costs the government millions of pounds each year.

     The six-week consultation, which will close on 3 December 2018, will seek views on how to ensure those who need straws for medical and accessibility reasons can still use them. For example, restaurants, pubs and bars will be able to stock a number of straws for use on request.   The UK government has pledged $80,000,000.00) in funding to boost global research and help countries across the Commonwealth stop plastic waste from entering the oceans.

     Kate Nicholls, CEO of UK Hospitality, said: “We wholeheartedly welcome this consultation on an issue of vital importance and one which hospitality has already taken significant action.   “Since UK Hospitality’s Unpack the Future of Hospitality summit in the spring, thousands of pubs clubs, restaurants and hotels across the UK have changed their straws and stirrers to biodegradables or adopted policies that cut or eliminate their use in their venues. 

“The government is seeking views on how we can cut plastic waste and we look forward to continued engagement to play a part in achieving that goal.”  Environment secretary Michael Gove said: “In England we are taking world-leading action with our ban on microbeads, and thanks to the public’s support have taken over 15 billion plastic bags out of circulation with our 5 pence charge.  “I commend retailers, bars and restaurants that have already committed to removing plastic straws and stirrers. But we recognize we need to do more.

     One by on the responsible countries of the world are stepping up in order to curb the pollution of our waters by the use of single use plastic.  I hope this will also spread to the use of plastic bags in stores as well as other single use plastic items.

Read More at https://www.foodbev.com/news/uk-government-reveals-plan-to-ban-plastic-straws-in-england/