Commission proposes to reduce the use of plastic bags

 (2013 11 05)

         The European Commission adopted a proposal that requires Member States to reduce their use of lightweight plastic carrier bags by choosing the measures they find most appropriate. The European commission is proposing a new directive that would require member states to choose between three methods of reducing the waste from bags: charges, national reduction targets, or an outright ban. Lightweight plastic bags are often used only once, but can persist in the environment for hundreds of years and harmful to marine life in particular.

         A statement released by Environment Commissioner Janez Potocnik on Monday, 4 November 2013 said the plan was to target plastic bags because these were a major source of litter in the 28-member bloc. The proposals must be approved by member states and by the European Parliament to take effect.

         Please read the press release here.