France bans plastic plates and cutlery
France has become the first country to ban plastic plates and cutlery, following on from a ban on plastic bags which went into effect in July.
French President François Hollande, said that the ban is a step towards a goal of "mak[ing] France . . . an exemplary nation in terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, diversifying its energy model and increasing the deployment of renewable energy sources"
Some wanted the law to go into effect as early as 2017, however it has been delayed to 2020 to protect low-income families which rely on the plastic plates and utensils. Environmentally friendly disposable cutlery will be exempt from the law.
Unfortunately, the law is not being well received by all. A Brussels-based company, which represents European packaging manufacturers, believes that the law violates European Union laws.
Read more at the Washington Post.
I dont mind plastic plates but I absolutely loathe the cutlery...!
Those horrible bits of plastic served with a good wholesome plate of fish and chips takes the meal to a substandard level.
I have cut my lip, broken more than I have used and would rather eat with my fingers than use them.
I now carry my own.