Campaigners want a total ban on the tiny particles -- which are too small to be filtered -- in products that are commonly washed down the drains. "Most animals won't eat an entire plastic bag, so the smaller it is, the easier it is to be ingested." 'Turn back the clock'The British government is due to launch a three-month review process in December on plans to ban microbeads, amid mounting pressure from Greenpeace and other environmental groups. Greenpeace said it welcomed the British government's plans to ban microbeads but wants the legislation to go further to avoid loopholes, warning that the situation is only worsening. "By 2025, for every three tonnes of fish, there will be one tonne of plastic" in the oceans, said John Sauven, executive director for Greenpeace UK.

Source: The Nation Bangkok November 25, 2016 04:21 UTC