On January 11, 2018, the UK’s prime minister Theresa May has vowed to eliminate all avoidable plastic waste in the country by 2042. As reported by Business Insider and various other news outlets, the five-pence plastic bag charge will be extended to all retailers and smaller shops in the country. Further, supermarkets will be urged to create plastic-free aisles where all food is sold loose. Taxes and charges on single-use plastic items such as takeaway containers will be considered as an additional measure to reduce plastic waste. The government will also grant funding for plastics innovation and commit to helping developing nations deal with plastic pollution and reduce plastic waste.
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Adam Payne (January 11, 2018). “Theresa May pledges to scrap all plastic waste by 2042.” Business Insider
Peter Walker (January 11, 2018). “Theresa May proposes plastic-free supermarket aisles in green strategy.” The Guardian
BBC (January 11, 2018). “Environment strategy aims to stop needless plastic waste.”
Joe Watts (January 11, 2018). “Theresa May vows to eliminate UK’s plastic waste by 2042.” Independent
Steven Swinford (January 11, 2018). “Theresa May urges supermarkets to create plastic-free aisles in bid to end ‘immense suffering’ of marine life.” The Telegraph
Laura Hughes (January 10, 2018). “Theresa May targets plastics in war on ‘throwaway culture.’” Financial Times
Marion Solletty and Charlie Cooper (January 10, 2018). “Theresa May pledges Brexit Britain will lead global fight against plastic pollution.” Politico
