The UK first announced it would work towards a ban in April 2018, saying it would consult manufacturers to find alternatives and make sure there was time to make the necessary changes before it was implemented. Now, UK Environment Secretary Michael Gove and the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) have confirmed a ban. "Urgent and decisive action is needed to tackle plastic pollution and protect our environment," Gove said in the government announcement . "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 ." We’re stepping up our fight against plastic waste. Today we’re confirming a ban on plastic straws, stirrers and cotton buds. From next April these items will only be available to people with medical needs or a disability. ➡️ https://t.co/SDWp0VEhzm #PassOnPlastic #25YEP pic.twitter.com/WAF907kzx6 — Defra UK (@DefraGovUK) May 22, 2019 Gove had said he was haunted by scenes of plastic harming ocean wildlife in David Attenborough’s Blue Planet II two years ago, which prompted a public outcry in the UK and encouraged government action, BBC News reported . In a public consultation […]
Latest Articles
San Diego’s 8 New Microgrids Will Save City $6 Million over 25 Years
Takeaways: By the end of 2022, San Diego will operate eight microgrids and save an estimated $6 million in energy costs.
The microgrids will...
Unilever to Help Replace Single-Use Miniatures at Holiday Inn-Owner Hotels
Takeaways: Unilever is replacing bathroom miniatures with "bulk amenities" in over 4000 hotels.
The company's largest brand, Dove, will supply full-size hand wash, body...
Using Bamboo for Reforestation and Clean Energy in Uganda
Takeaways: Divine Nabaweesi, the founder of Divine Bamboo, aims to stop deforestation in Uganda through bamboo forestry and use the plant for clean biomass...
Scientists Invent Way to Grow Plants in Complete Darkness
Takeaways: Scientists have found a way to grow plants in complete darkness.
They use a two-step process to convert carbon dioxide, electricity and water...
Halving Pesticide Use, Dismantling Dams: EU’s Ambitious Draft Law to Restore Nature
Takeaways: The European Commission has drafted a law that will halve pesticide use across Europe by 2030 and dismantle big dams to make rivers...
Why Growing Forests Is Awesome
Why Growing Forests Is Awesome Guest Post by: Job van Hooijdonk, co-founder of Regreener In 2016, a record of 29.7 million hectares of forest disappeared. That's2 90,000 square...
