The government yesterday confirmed a ban on plastic straws, drinks stirrers, and plastic stemmed cotton buds in England, following “overwhelming public support” for the move.
Following an open consultation last year, the ban will come into force in April 2020 as part of efforts to tackle plastic pollution. It will include exemptions for medical reasons.
According to the consultation, over 80% of respondents backed a ban on the distribution and sale of plastic straws, 90% a ban on drinks stirrers, and 89% a ban on cotton buds.
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.
“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.”
