Welsh Government to ban some single-use plastic
It wasn’t that long ago that press releases by governments pledging to reduce plastic waste made headline news. We have however entered a new era where the urgency of tackling this toxic pollution, which continues to poison our land and oceans, has been dwarfed by the more imminent threat to humanity of Covid19. Nevertheless, the harm caused to marine life by the irresponsible disposal of plastic continues and plastic litter still blights the Welsh countryside. Hence, the Welsh Government’s announcement last month to consult on the banning of some single-use plastic is to be commended.
Prohibit its use in the first place?
Whilst Wales has been praised for being at the forefront of recycling, recycling should be the last resort for tackling plastic waste. The removal of plastic from the waste stream by prohibiting its use in the first place is far more preferable. If this is not possible, then plastic should be designed in a way that, once manufactured, it can enter a circular economy where it is used and reused repeatedly.
What is the plan of attack?
The Welsh Government’s plan is part of a package of measures aiming to stem the tide of plastic in Wales. Banning the use of difficult to recycle single-use plastic items will remove them from the waste stream. Products under consideration include:
- straws
- stirrers
- cotton buds
- balloon sticks
- plates & cutlery
- items made from oxo-degradable plastic, such as certain types of carrier bags.
Welsh citizens will be given the opportunity to respond to the consultation shortly.
You can find further information here >>> https://gov.wales/single-use-plastics-be-banned-wales
