Chile's New Single-Use Plastic Ban Sets a New Bar for Global Waste Initiatives
PLASTIC POLLUTION CLIMATE CHANGE ECO PACKAGING
By Jill Ettinger Published on Feb 16, 2022 Last updated Feb 16, 2022
4 Mins Read
Now in effect across Chile, a single-use plastic ban on cutlery and straws is the beginning of the countrys shift to a full environmental mandate aimed at removing plastic from its waste stream.
The sixth most populous country in South America, Chile is taking its environmental responsibility seriously. Now in effect, the country is rolling out a step approach to plastic removal, starting with Styrofoam takeout containers and cups, single-use plastic straws, cutlery, and some plastic bottles across restaurants and supermarkets.
The implementation of this law, one of the most ambitious in the world to combat pollution due to the indiscriminate use of plastics, is a milestone in the care and protection of the environment in Chile, Environment Minister Marcelo Fernández said in a statement.
According to the Environment Ministers office, the country produces 23,000 tons of single-use plastic and polystyrene (Styrofoam) waste per year. The country also uses 3.4 billion plastic bags annuallyabout the equivalent of 200 per person. The Association of Plastic Industries says more than 90 percent of this winds up in oceans. Millions of marine animals die each year from ingesting plastic.
More:
https://www.greenqueen.com.hk/chiles-plastic-ban/
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