United Kingdom Is Now Banning Plastic Straws, Stirrers, And Cotton Buds

Recently, it was reported that plastic straws, stirrers, and cotton buds are now officially banned in the United Kingdom. It said that the ban was supposed to come into force back in April 2020, but was postponed due to an ongoing health crisis.

The ban was imposed because straws and stirrers are largely used by the hospitality sector, which has already been under strain during the pandemic.

Picture: UNILAD

People with disabilities and medical conditions who require plastic straws will be exempt from the ban. The ban comes after the Government’s announcement that single-use plastic bags in England will go up 10p-double the price they are at the moment.

Campaigners have expressed concerns that these items only make up for a small amount of the country’s plastic pollution.

Tatiana, Plastics lawyer at environmental charity ClientEarth said, “Single-use plastic straws, cotton buds, and drink stirrers are some of the most pointless plastics out there. Banning them is a no-brainer, especially because reusable and non-toxic alternatives are readily available.

“But these items form only a tiny fraction of single-use plastics, which litter our environment and release toxic substances and greenhouse gas emissions when incinerated – and even when they’re made. Other countries like Ireland and France have shown far more ambition than the UK, with targets on reusable packaging and deposit return schemes,”.

Picture: UNILAD

Issue of plastic pollution has been dubbed by Sir David Attenborough as a ‘global catastrophe’. In a report conducted by a charity Tearfund, which is backed by Sir David, it was stated that Britain alone exports 650,000 tonnes of plastic waste each year to places such as Indonesia and Malaysia.

In recent months, another rising concern has been the rise in single-use plastic masks and gloves in light of the ongoing pandemic.

Can be seen both items have started to litter the world’s streets and oceans, with people throwing them recklessly. It isn’t just bad for the environment, also can be harmful to those having to come into contact with them while cleaning them up.

Source: Unilad

Adib Mohd

Recent Posts

Red Army Watches Malaysia & SEVENFRIDAY Celebrate Merdeka with a Limited-Edition Riley Bear in Batik

In celebration of Malaysia’s Independence Day and Malaysia Day 2025, Red Army Watches Malaysia is… Read More

25 minutes ago

HABIB Celebrates Malaysia’s Heritage with Modern Sparkle This Merdeka

Malaysia’s homegrown jeweller, HABIB, returns with its iconic Jualan Merdeka campaign, running nationwide from now… Read More

38 minutes ago

Sacoor Brothers Reimagines Luxury with New Flagship Boutique at Suria KLCC

Portuguese luxury fashion house Sacoor Brothers has unveiled its newly redesigned flagship boutique at Suria… Read More

38 minutes ago

Casio x The Sandbox: G-SHOCK Is Now in the Metaverse

Brace yourself, your favorite tough-as-nails watch just got a futuristic makeover. Casio is teaming up… Read More

4 hours ago

Pandora’s “Colour Pop” Collection Is Serving Summer Energy in Every Sparkle

Looking to brighten up your style this summer? Pandora's latest “Colour Pop” collection is bringing… Read More

5 hours ago

Zoom into Brilliance, HUAWEI Pura 80 Series Arrives in Malaysia with Unmatched Camera Power and Striking Design

HUAWEI Malaysia has officially unveiled its next-generation flagship lineup, the HUAWEI Pura 80 Series, setting a… Read More

1 day ago

This website uses cookies.