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UK Government Has Just Banned All Plastic Straws, Stirrers And Cotton Buds

Rachel Andrews

Published 
| Last updated 

UK Government Has Just Banned All Plastic Straws, Stirrers And Cotton Buds

Featured Image Credit: Pixabay

It's no secret that our planet is drowning in plastic. Concerns over global plastic consumption are at an all time high, and now the government has announced it is rolling out a total ban on plastic straws and drinks stirrers as well as cotton buds to finally help cut back the country's waste.

Environment Secretary Michael Gove today (Wednesday, 22nd May) confirmed the three single-use plastic products will be banned by April 2020, following 'overwhelming public support for the move'.

The ban does include exemptions to ensure that those with medical needs or disabilities are able to continue to access plastic straws where needed. Cotton buds will still be permitted for use for medical and scientific purposes too, where these are often the only practical option available.

Credit: Pexels
Credit: Pexels
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A consultation found that over 80 per cent backed a ban on the sale of plastic straws, 90 per cent were happy to get rid of drinks stirrers and 89 per cent supported a ban on cotton buds with plastic stems.

The government says registered pharmacies will be allowed to sell plastic straws over the counter or online for those who require them for medical reasons.

And restaurants, pubs and bars will able to provide them on request but not automatically hand them out.

The government believes these rules and exemptions will strike a balance between cutting back on plastic consumption to benefit the environment while protecting the rights of those with medical conditions and disabilities.

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Credit: Pixabay
Credit: Pixabay

A stock take will be carried out by the government after one year to ensure the balance is correct.

Shocking statistics really hammer home the amount of plastic we use in England alone in just one year - 4.7 billion plastic straws, 316 million plastic stirrers and 1.8 billion plastic-stemmed cotton buds, with around 10 per cent of the latter category being flushed down the toilet ending up in our oceans and waterways.

Environment Secretary Michael Gove said: "Urgent and decisive action is needed to tackle plastic pollution and protect our environment. These items are often used for just a few minutes but take hundreds of years to break down, ending up in our seas and oceans and harming precious marine life.

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"So today I am taking action to turn the tide on plastic pollution, and ensure we leave our environment in a better state for future generations."

Credit: PA
Credit: PA

Despite the rise in plastic straw alternatives - such as paper and metal - it's estimated 95 per cent are still plastic.

Local governments also spend millions of pounds every year cleaning up litter, which can also effect tourism and fishing industries.

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It's estimated that there is 150 million tonnes of plastic polluting our oceans, and a recent reports suggests that figure could treble by 2025.

Heartbreakingly, one million birds and over 100,000 sea mammals die from eating and getting tangled up in plastic waste.

Hugo Tagholm, CEO, Surfers Against Sewage of the ban: "Surfers Against Sewage welcome the ban on plastic straws, stirrers and cotton buds. Stopping the production and distribution of these single-use plastic menaces will prevent them from polluting beaches nationwide.

"It's a really positive and bold step in the right direction in the battle against plastic pollution. It is also helps further drive plastic-free options and alternatives for the public so they can truly make more sustainable choices in their daily lives."

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Lauren West, Trailblazers Manager at Muscular Dystrophy UK, said: "Plastic straws are sometimes the only type of straw that work for disabled people due to their flexibility and ability to be used in hot and cold drinks. While we appreciate the need to reduce the use of plastics, traditional single-use straws are essential for some disabled people.

"If disabled people cannot access plastic straws when out it could put their health at risk as they may not be able to drink and could become dehydrated. We're pleased the Government has recognised this in its proposals put forward today."

The ban of plastic straws, cotton buds and drinks stirrers comes after the government introduced a world-leading ban on microbeads and took 15 billion plastic bags out of circulation with the 5p plastic bag charge.

Credit: PA
Credit: PA

The government also looking at introducing a deposit return scheme up recycling of bottles and cans, and has also committed £61.4 million of funding to boost global research to help plastic from entering the oceans.

Before you panic, a number of companies already sell plastic-free cotton buds, like these ones from Sainsbury's for just 75p as well as biodegradable drinks stirrers, such as these from Nisbets (£5.98).

Here's some plastic-free straws to reduce plastic consumption ahead of the ban falling into place:

Credit: Urban Outfitters
Credit: Urban Outfitters
Credit: Amazon
Credit: Amazon
Credit: Waitrose
Credit: Waitrose

Hopefully the government will roll this ban out to other single-use plastic products asap.

Topics: Life News

Rachel Andrews
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