Photo: AFPBrussels: The European Union proposed on Monday a bloc-wide ban on single-use plastics such as straws, cutlery and cotton buds while urging the collection of most plastic drinks bottles by 2025. The set of proposals are part of a growing EU drive to rid the environment of plastic waste which has begun showing up in the food chain. “Plastic waste is undeniably a big issue and Europeans need to act together to tackle this problem,” EU First Vice President Frans Timmermans said. “Today’s proposals will reduce single-use plastics on our supermarket shelves through a range of measures,” Timmermans added. Under the plan, member countries must collect 90% of single-use plastic drinks bottles by 2025, through deposit refund schemes, for example.

Source: Mint May 28, 2018 10:41 UTC