On Saturday, the British government said that it is seeking to ban single-use plastic plates and cutlery and polystyrene (PS) cups in England.
Under proposals in a 12-week public consultation, businesses and consumers will have to shift towards more sustainable alternatives.
“We have already banned plastic straws, stirrers, and cotton buds and now plan to extend the ban to cutlery and balloon sticks where alternative materials, like wood, can be used,” said environment minister George Eustice.
England consumes 1.1 billion single-use plates and 4.25 billion items of single-use cutlery, most of which are plastic, per year, but only 10% are recycled upon disposal.
Separately, the government also has launched a call for evidence to address other sources of plastic pollution, such as wet wipes, tobacco filters, sachets, and other single-use cups.
