Gove takes action to ban plastic straws, stirrers, and cotton buds

[Waterbaby]

Published 22 May 2019
From: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and The Rt Hon Michael Gove MP

"Following an open consultation, a ban on the supply of plastic straws, drinks stirrers and cotton buds will come into force in April 2020. The ban will include exemptions to ensure that those with medical needs or a disability are able to continue to access plastic straws.

The government’s response to the consultation published today (22 May) reveals over 80% of respondents back a ban on the distribution and sale of plastic straws, 90% a ban on drinks stirrers, and 89% a ban on cotton buds."

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/gove ... otton-buds

WB

[Alexis]

Thank you for this Waterbaby. Long overdue for a ban on these.

[Blackstone]

Good move in my opinion.
Bring on the next step - plastic packaging, plastic bottle recycling, ban plastic bags altogether!

[stephen1974]

well, you say its good to ban these, but it turns out that whilst plastic straws are recyclable, the paper straws replacing them, not so much.
Knee jerk PC actions in full effect there.

[bernicarey]

well, you say its good to ban these, but it turns out that whilst plastic straws are recyclable, the paper straws replacing them, not so much.
Knee jerk PC actions in full effect there.

But whenever these things are reported, there's always a bias.
Facts...
Plastic items, including straws get into the oceans.
Plastic straws take some 200+ years to degrade.

However, while a paper straw is difficult to 'recycle', i.e. use again for something else, it's made of paper and one of the biggest complaints is that it goes soft and soggie if left in a drink for a short while (personally, I think people should drink their drink faster - get their McD Milkshake drunk in 10 minutes and stop hogging the tables ).
So if it gets into the sea, it's probably not going to last more than a couple of days before the water has destroyed it