European Union Proposes New Plastic Ban

The plastic pollution crisis is out of hand with thousands, if not millions, of pounds of trash being dumped into the ocean everyday. The European Commission wants the EU to decrease this trash impact by proposing a ban for plastic in single-use, everyday items.

During a press release the first Vice President of the European Commission, Frans Timmermans says, “We are at risk of choking our ocean in plastic.” He continues to address the impact of plastic pollution with marine animals consuming plastic, that humans consume when eating said fish. The plastic pollution issue is tainting and decreasing sources of edible fish, while decreasing water quality for marine life.

The European Commission is placing a directive for approval to ban 70 percent of marine litter found on European beaches, focusing on everyday single-use plastic items. The directive will focus on 10 commonly used items that are common waste and are unable to be recycled.

There will also be a focus on reducing plastic fishing gear, with 27 percent ending up as beach litter. The European Commission has also devices more sustainable alternative sources to create products that create less waste. These items will include q-tips, cotton buds, straws, drink stirrers, sticks for balloons, cutlery and plates.

This directive is a planned to shift the European economy away from single-use products that are wasteful, while encouraging to replace non-renewable materials. This directive will also create new obligations for producers who use plastic, to comply with providing funds for waste management and new environmental-impact labeling for products.

The proposal will go onto the European Parliament and Council for adoption, with the Commission urging other institutions to treat this as a priority. This directive also commemorates the upcoming World Environment Day on June 5 and the Commission will also launch an European-wide campaign to raise awareness on sustainable consumer choices.