EAC Chairman Comment: Ban on plastic straws, stirrers and cotton buds delay

Following news that the Government is delaying the ban on plastic straws, stirrers and cotton buds due to coronavirus, EAC Chairman Philip Dunne MP said:

“It is very disappointing that the Government has delayed the ban on plastic straws, stirrers and cotton buds. These items when made from plastic are virtually impossible to recycle, so they end up in landfill or are dumped, jeopardising the environment and wildlife both on land and when they reach the sea.

“The UK is a world-leader in environmental protection. While it is completely understood that the response to coronavirus should dominate Government resources currently, it is crucial that the pandemic does not threaten progress being made with relatively straightforward steps to leave the environment in a better state than we found it.”

Background

In 2018, the Environmental Audit Committee concluded its inquiry into Sustainable Seas where it heard evidence on the Government’s commitment to ban non-recyclable plastics. Within the inquiry, the Committee found that plastic makes up 70% of all litter in the ocean which, without action, will treble within 10 years.