Government Action

187 countries agree to restrict global plastic waste trade

187 countries agree to restrict global plastic waste trade

The governments of 187 countries have agreed on a deal to control the movement of plastic waste between national borders by restricting shipments of hard-to-recycle plastic waste to poorer countries. On May, 2019, the United Nations announced that Nations agreed to add plastic to the […]

UK To Ban Plastic Straws, Cotton Swabs, and other Single Use Plastics

UK To Ban Plastic Straws, Cotton Swabs, and other Single Use Plastics

The UK is set to ban all sales of single use plastics, including plastic straws and cotton swabs from the country as early as next year. Prime Minister Theresa May announced the new ban during a meeting with Commonwealth nations, noting that plastic waste is one […]

Jamaica Bans Styrofoam, Plastic Bags, and Plastic Straws

Jamaica Bans Styrofoam, Plastic Bags, and Plastic Straws

In January, 2019, Jamaica introduced a ban on single-use plastic bags, plastic straws and Styrofoam in a bid to reduce the impact plastic is having on the environment. Before the ban, Jamaica was known to have one of the highest per capita uses of plastic bags […]

Bali Bans Plastic as Indonesia Moves Towards Tackling Marine Pollution

Bali Bans Plastic as Indonesia Moves Towards Tackling Marine Pollution

In an unprecedented move last December, Bali Governor Wayan Koster introduced an all-encompassing ban against single-use plastic, including plastic bags, Styrofoam and straws, though some remain skeptical on the effectiveness of the policy in mitigating the devastating impact of plastic waste. Retailers in the city […]

France becomes the first country to ban plastic plates and cutlery

France becomes the first country to ban plastic plates and cutlery

France has apparently become the first country in the world to ban plastic plates, cups and utensils, passing a law that will go into effect in 2020. Exceptions will be allowed for items made of compostable, bio-sourced materials. The new law is a part of […]

European Union to ban single-use plastics in bid to tackle pollution

European Union to ban single-use plastics in bid to tackle pollution

The European Parliament has voted for an extensive ban on single-use plastics in the European Union to stop pollution entering the world’s oceans.  Products including plastic plates, cutlery, straws and cotton buds will all be eradicated from 2021 under the plans. The ban is intended to affect items […]