PLASTIC STRAW AND COTTON BUD BAN PROPOSED

The source website ： https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-43817287

Plastic straws and cotton buds could be banned in England as part of the government’s bid to cut plastic waste.

Ministers pointed to one estimate that 8.5bn plastic straws were thrown away in the UK every year.

The prime minister said plastic waste was “one of the greatest environmental challenges facing the world”.

And Theresa May will urge leaders at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, which began earlier, to follow the UK’s lead in tackling the problem.

The Queen has formally opened the summit at an event at Buckingham Palace attended by prime ministers and presidents from the 53 states that make up the organisation.

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Mrs May claimed the UK was a “world leader” on tackling plastic waste, highlighting the charges that have been introduced for plastic bags, the ban on microbeads and the announcement in March of a consultation on introducing a deposit return scheme for drinks containers in England.

“Alongside our domestic action, this week we are rallying Commonwealth countries to join us in the fight against marine plastics,” she said.

“The Commonwealth is a unique organisation, with a huge diversity of wildlife, environments and coastlines.

“Together we can effect real change so that future generations can enjoy a natural environment that is healthier than we currently find it.”