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

SEACare 2025 Solidifies Malaysia’s Leadership in Southeast Asia’s Healthcare Landscape

Malaysia’s commitment to transforming its healthcare system takes centre stage this week as SEACare 2025,… Read More

2 days ago

Drop: A First Date That Turns Into a Psychological Minefield

What happens when trust, trauma, and tequila meet at the same table?  That’s the unnerving… Read More

2 days ago

SME Bank Collaborates with Autism Cafe Project to Empower Autistic Entrepreneurs

Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia Berhad (“SME Bank”) has partnered with The Autism Cafe… Read More

2 days ago

Pahlawan Malaysia 2025: Malaysia’s Premier Obstacle Sports Competition Set to Energize the Nation at the Curve, Mutiara Damansara

The Malaysia Obstacle Race Sports Association is proud to announce Pahlawan Malaysia 2025, the premier… Read More

2 days ago

Tesla Malaysia is Celebrating the ‘Earth Week’ to Rewards Owners in Conjunction with a ‘Refer and Win’ Campaign

Embracing the mission to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy, Tesla Malaysia launches the… Read More

2 days ago

Malaysia’s Viper Niza Racing On The Winners’ Podium At The 12 Hours Of Spa Francorchamps

Malaysians Douglas Khoo, Dominic Ang and Melvin Moh raced to a podium finish at last… Read More

2 days ago

This website uses cookies.