EU proposes ban on plastic cutlery, straws, and more

A plastic fork that will take years and years to decompose.

(Image credit: Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

published 29 May 2018

The European Commission on Monday proposed a ban on plastic straws, cutlery, plates, and other single-use items as part of an ongoing push to reduce carbon emissions and marine litter. "Plastic can be fantastic but we need to use it more responsibly," Commission Vice-President Jyrki Katainen said in a statement. "Today's proposals will help business and consumers to move towards sustainable alternatives."

The ban is subject to approval by EU governments and the European Parliament, Bloomberg reports. Member states also would have to cut back on the use of plastic food containers and drink cups by barring them from being given out at no charge.

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Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.