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Prime Minister Makes Pledge To Ban Plastic Cotton Buds, Straws And Drink Stirrers

Prime Minister Makes Pledge To Ban Plastic Cotton Buds, Straws And Drink Stirrers

Prime Minister Theresa May has vowed to ban plastic cotton buds and straws, declaring a war on Britain's 'throwaway culture'

Rebecca Shepherd

Rebecca Shepherd

If you're one of those people who loves nothing more than using a cotton bud each day, your enjoyment may soon be over.

Because a complete ban on plastic cotton buds, straws and drink stirrers is expected to be announced by Theresa May today.

Yes, we said it - the mornings in front of the bathroom mirror are behind you.

Declaring war on our 'throwaway culture', the Prime Minister will unveil measures to protect the oceans, according to MailOnline.

PA

She wrote in today's Daily Mail: "We are clogging up one of the earth's greatest natural resources with harmful plastic and - for the sake of this and future generations - we must take action now."

Who would think these versatile swabs of magic are making such a difference?

Quite a few people it seems because everyone is up for getting rid of them.

Environment Secretary, Michael Gove, has been pushing for plastic straws to be outlawed.

But today's announcement goes much further by extending the ban to cotton buds and stirrers.

According to MailOnline, ministers think this would be more effective than through tax.

PA

It's thought the Treasury will press on with plans for levies on other single-use plastic items, such as cups, bottles and packaging.

Sources said there was no reason why businesses couldn't switch to biodegradable alternatives, such as paper straws, wooden drink stirrers and paper-stemmed buds.

The Government said it would consult with industry and give firms 'sufficient time to adapt' before imposing the ban, which is unlikely to come into force until next year.

The Prime Minister says 12 million tons of plastic are being dumped in the oceans each year - contributing to changes that are 'fundamentally altering key marine ecosystems'.

Mr Gove said: "Single-use plastics are a scourge on our seas and lethal to our precious environment and wildlife so it is vital we act now.

"We have already banned harmful micro-beads and cut plastic bag use, and now we want to take action on straws, stirrers and cotton buds to help protect our marine life.

PA

"We've already seen a number of retailers, bars and restaurants stepping up to the plate and cutting plastic use.

"However, it's only through government, businesses and the public working together that we will protect our environment for the next generation.

"We all have a role to play in turning the tide on plastic."

The plastic ban will apply only in England initially. But ministers hope to extend it across the country by working with counterparts in Wales and Scotland, which has already announced plans for a cotton bud ban.

So whether you use them to reach certain nooks and crannies or to solve handy life hacks, you may have to find an alternative sharpish.

BRB, just going to empty the cosmetic shelves.

Featured Image Credit: Creative Commons

Topics: Prime Minister, News, Interesting, UK, Recycling