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FRANCE REGULATES THE USE OF SINGLE USE ITEMS single use plastic 04/11/2022

FRANCE REGULATES THE USE OF SINGLE USE ITEMS

If we are aware of the negative impacts of plastic and Styrofoam, it is very likely that we will try to reduce their consumption when buying groceries and other necessities; However, there is food in the stalls on every corner, such as juices, atole, cakes and chilaquiles, or the remains of dishes in restaurants whose containers turn out to be made of these compounds that are harmful to the environment. This could affect, in a long-term period, both the hygiene of cities and the well-being of ecosystems in nature.

Faced with this, it is essential to carry out a series of measures that reduce pollution. As an example, France's efforts are focused on banning the use of plastic cups, plates and cutlery. Even coffee vending machines will no longer give out plastic cups. This is a new law that came into force in August, giving guidelines to producers until 2020 to ensure that all plates, glasses and cutlery sold in the European country come from biological sources and can be used in compost.

This measure was the response to the conference on climate change that took place in Paris, resulting in France starting a front in favor of the environment and ecological care. It is hoped that, in some way, the French law will become an example for other countries to reduce energy, waste and plastic consumption by the plastic processing industry.

However, there are opponents: European packaging manufacturers, such as Pack2Go Europe, who oppose this ecological measure, considering that it will affect consumers and violate the European Union's rules on the free movement of goods. It is even thought to continue fighting against it. According to Eamonn Bates, the company's general secretary, “We are urging the European Commission to do the right thing and take legal action against France for violating European law. If they don't do it, we will."

In Mexico, for example, efforts are required from both the consumer -for example, bringing their own containers when buying juice or breakfast-, as well as government initiatives that limit the sale of plastic and Styrofoam products at different points of distribution.