Plastic has become an integral part of today, and those who Travel rely on disposable items that fall in the category of single-use plastic. England has imposed a ban on a range of such things, and environmental campaigners have welcomed it. The list includes straws, stirrers, and cotton buds, but environmentalists want the scope to be widened.

They feel there should be a crackdown on other items of this nature. Single-use plastic has invaded our lives because people have very little time to wait; they have to be on the move. That has fueled the need to carry packed lunch complete with disposable cutlery and water in plastic bottles.

These are throwaway type items and discarded when done with.

People must change their mindset and realize that these are products that are not biodegradable. Plastic is a major threat to the environment, and its use has to be controlled.

The BBC says the measure was supposed to start in April but has been delayed. Items covered are straws, stirrers, and plastic-stemmed cotton buds. The annual consumption of these items runs into billions, and they land up in the oceans or landfills.

England has made it illegal for businesses to sell or supply these items. There will be an exemption for hospitals, bars, and restaurants to cater to those with disabilities or medical conditions. In the campaigners' opinion, the items selected are only a "fraction" of the plastic waste that litters the Environment.

England is serious about a ban on single-use plastic

England's action is an indication that there is awareness on the subject of single-use plastic and its ill effects on the world. The government was "firmly committed" to tackle environmental "devastation" from the use of such items. That is what Environment Secretary George Eustice said as per The BBC.

However, that is not enough. As a Friends of the Earth suggests – there must be action taken to replace the throwaway culture by introducing reusable alternatives. Another environmentalist says products like straws, cotton buds, and stirrers accounted for "a tiny fraction" of single-use plastics.

Others took the action on plastic waste

Countries like Ireland and France have gone ahead with the introduction of reusable packaging and deposit return schemes. The BBC adds that Environment Secretary revealed plans of the government to introduce a deposit return scheme. That would encourage the recycling of certain products. The Welsh government also realized the importance of imposing a ban on such plastic. Some of the eating joints have already been done away with plastic straws even before the ban's official announcement. In May 2018, the European Union said it would ban single-use plastics from saving the environment.

Delayed ban on the use of plastic straws, stirrers, and cotton buds

According to Sky News, England has enforced a ban on plastic straws, stirrers, and cotton buds.

Their consumption is in billions every year. The ban's imposition is delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the possible impact on supply chains. Environment Secretary confirms.

Number 10 is "firmly committed to tackling" the issues related to single-use plastics. He outlines steps already taken to curb plastic pollution. These are nominal charges for single-use plastic bags and a ban on microbeads. In the words of a green campaigner, the ban is a step in the right direction, but it is the tip of the iceberg. The world must accept that plastic waste is a serious threat to whales and other such creatures. It clogs the drainage systems and finds its way into the oceans to endanger marine animals. Many of them die after ingesting plastic that they mistake for edible items or get entangled in plastic carry bags.
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