In December, 193 countries signed a UN resolution to eliminate plastic pollution in the sea, which calls for nations to take action to reduce the use of microbeads. The UK joins Canada, The USA and European countries in banning this unneeded source of pollution and is a step toward the goal of reducing ocean plastics.
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Tiny plastic particles called microbeads have previously been used in the manufacturing of cosmetic products including toothpaste and face exfoliating creams. London (CNN)The UK government outlawed the manufacture of products containing microbeads on Tuesday in what it says is one of the world’s toughest bans on the tiny plastic particles. The move comes amid a greater public awareness of the build-up of plastics in the world’s oceans. Microbeads, which are found in a number of cosmetic products, have prompted their own concerns because of their impact on marine life — they can enter the food chain for fish and other sea creatures , exposing them to toxic chemicals that can in turn end up on our plates. "Microbeads are entirely unnecessary when there are so many natural alternatives available," Coffey added. A ban on the sale of products containing microbeads will take effect later this year. The US, Canada and New Zealand are among the countries that have banned the use of microbeads in products. Sweden, Austria, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Belgium have issued a joint call to outlaw the tiny particles. The ban was recommended by the UK Parliament’s Environmental Audit Committee, which recently called for a tax […]