United Kingdom fans of smoothies, milkshakes, and Frappuccinos may need to find a different way to slurp their frosty treats this summer. Britain's government wants to ban all plastic straws, drink stirrers, and plastic-stemmed cotton swabs. The government is urging other Commonwealth nations to do the same.
Prime Minister Theresa calls plastic waste “one of the greatest environmental challenges facing the world." She tells leaders meeting in London that protecting the ocean environment is "central to our agenda." May also urged other member nations to sign up to the newly formed Commonwealth Clean Oceans Alliance.
Officials say banning plastic straws in Britain would mean that billions of discarded plastic straws would no longer pollute oceans each year. The British government also allocated $87.1 million to study new ways to clean up and prevent plastic waste.
Environment Secretary Michael Gove called single-use plastics "a scourge on our seas and lethal to our precious environment and wildlife,” adding, “It is vital we act now."
Plastic used for medical reasons would be exempt from the ban.
Later this year, UK officials will seek feedback from the public about a potential bill banning the sale of the single-use plastics in England. If the discussions go well, the plan could be turned into legislation. However, Parliament will need to debate the bill in order for it to become law.
The UK government says it will work with industrial companies to help develop options to the use of single-use plastics. They promise to make sure there is "sufficient time" to adjust before any new law goes into effect.
(AP Photo: Earthmovers push mountains of garbage at Britain’s largest landfill—much of which consists of plastic.)
