Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
THE EUROPEAN COUNCIL has adopted a directive which introduces new restrictions on certain single-use plastic products, which includes a ban on single-use plastic straws, plates and cutlery by 2021.
They will set strict rules for reducing the type of products and packaging which are among the top ten most frequently found items polluting European beaches.
Where alternatives are easily available and affordable, single-use plastic products will be banned from the market, such as cutlery, plates and straws. For other products, efforts will be made to limit their use through design and labelling, and clean-up obligations for those who manufacture them.
In March, the European Parliament voted by 560 votes to 35 to adopt the new laws, which would ban 70% of marine litters items. The formal adoption of the new rules by the Council today is the final step in the procedure.
After today’s approval by the European Council, the text will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union; the directive will enter into force 20 days after the publication.
EU member states, including Ireland, will then have two years to transpose the legislation into their national law.
Member states have agreed to achieve a 90% collection target for plastic bottles by 2029, and plastic bottles will have to contain at least 25% of recycled content by 2025 and 30% by 2030.
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune said: “Figures show that plastic production is 20 times higher now than in the 1960s and is set to quadruple again by 2050.
Reducing the amount of plastics in our oceans and on our beaches is vital to protect marine life and also to ensure that fish, and as a result the food chain, are not further contaminated by plastics.
“Ireland has led the way on the fight against plastic when it introduced the levy on plastic bags in 2002, resulting in a 90% drop in the use of plastic bags in Ireland.”
First Vice-President of the European Commission Frans Timmermans, responsible for sustainable development said:
“There is a growing sense of urgency in European society to do whatever it takes to stop plastic pollution in our oceans. The European Union is responding to this clear call of our citizens.
The new rules adopted today will help us to protect the health of our people and safeguard our natural environment, while promoting more sustainable production and consumption.
“We can all be proud that Europe is setting new and ambitious standards, paving the way for the rest of the world.”
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Very good news and hope it sets a president. Let’s all start looking after our planet please.
@Shakka1244: precedent?
The easiest way to get rid of the last of a milkshake is over the head of a Brexit politician.
First world problem here as I cant finish a McDonalds milkshake with the new straws they supply – its ends up a slurping mess!
@Shane Cormican: Try using no straw at all, and asking for no disposable plastic lid and use the mouth you were born with to drink from a cup.
Simple solution to this problem!
@Shane Cormican: buy stainless steel straws . You will have for life.
@missroisin: an nobody will ever assume you’re a coke head if you carry a small stainless steel straw with you everywhere. Small razor blade and a mirror can be useful every day items too.
@Shane Cormican: I’ve been stocking up on plastic straws. Reckon 4000 will do me until I keel over.
@Shane Cormican: simple solution. Don’t go to McDonalds.
At last some move on plastic
Fantastic move by the Parliament. Glad to see Europe taking a leading role globally
Most of the waste in the sea comes from Asia but you will hardly see any mention of that in the media.
@Dublin Taxi Man: It sounds like you want the Asian sea plastic solved first before we do anything about our own problem, so let’s give an analogy to compare the ridiculousness of that statement. Most murders occur in places like Syria, Mexico and Yemen, so let’s stop those before we tackle the issue of murder in Ireland. See how ridiculous that is? We in Europe have little control over Asian waters and environmental practices. What we can do, however, is look after our own immediate environment. Aside from that, your insinuation that the media hardly ever mentions waste in Asian waters is not backed up by evidence, considering all media outlets have mentioned it several times each. Maybe you just weren’t paying attention.
@Brian Ó Dálaigh: an effective analogy it has to be said.
@Brian Ó Dálaigh: I want YOU driving MY taxi.
@Dublin Taxi Man: yes we do … all the time.
If no country dumped their garbage in the oceans there would be no marine plastic pollution problem worth discussing. There is no local contribution to this issue. Banning plastic straws in Ireland is simple grandstanding and has zero to do with science.
have your say