UK announces ban on wet wipes
Almost all wet wipes will be banned in England as part of the Government’s new plans for tackling water pollution
In a major move to reduce plastic waste, the United Kingdom has announced a ban on wet wipes, a popular household item often used for personal hygiene and cleaning.
Environment minister Therese Coffey told BBC News that almost all wet wipes will be banned in England as part of the Government’s new plans for tackling water pollution.
Coffey also warns that water companies could face unlimited penalties for dumping sewage. The wet wipes ban is part of the Government’s Plan for Water initiative, which seeks to see more investment from water companies, stronger regulation and tougher enforcement for those who pollute.
The plan emphasises the government’s wider efforts to reduce single-use plastics and tackle the growing problem of plastic pollution in the country’s waterways.
Ms Coffey said:
“Our rare chalk streams and world-famous coastlines, lakes and rivers are hugely important to local communities and nature.
I completely understand the concerns that people have about the health and resilience of our waters, which is why I am setting out this plan for a truly national effort to protect and improve them.
That includes higher penalties taken from water company profits which will be channelled back into the rivers, lakes and streams where it is needed.”
She continued:
“This is not straightforward, but I take this issue extremely seriously and things need to change.
That’s why we have developed this plan and we are committed to delivering the progress that people want to see.”
Wet wipes are made of plastic fibres and contain a variety of chemicals, making them a particularly problematic item for the environment. They have often flushed down toilets, causing blockages in sewage systems and contributing to the formation of “fatbergs” – large masses of congealed fat and other waste that can clog up sewers and cause flooding.
The ban will cover all types of wet wipes, including those marketed as flushable or biodegradable. It is expected to have a significant impact on the market, with wet wipes currently accounting for around 93 percent of the UK’s total wet wipe sales.
Environmental groups have praised the ban, calling it a much-needed step towards reducing plastic pollution in the country. However, some industry groups have expressed concern over the impact on businesses and consumers.
The government has acknowledged these concerns and has pledged to work with the industry to develop alternatives to wet wipes, such as reusable cloths and cleaning sprays. It has also promised to launch a public awareness campaign to educate consumers on the environmental impact of wet wipes and the importance of disposing of them properly.
The ban on wet wipes follows similar moves by other countries, including France and Italy, which have already banned certain types of single-use plastics. The European Union has also banned a wide range of single-use plastic products in 2021.
As the UK takes bold steps to reduce plastic waste, it is hoped that other countries will follow suit, leading to a cleaner, healthier planet for future generations.
Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay supports this plan of action and has said:
“After years of burying their heads, ministers have finally surfaced to tackle the scourge of sewage and pollution in our waterways and along our coasts.
It’s clear the Conservatives can also smell a local election in the air and are only acting in response to public pressure.”
He continued:
“The actions are too little too late, and still leave the water industry in private hands able to profit from failure.
The Green Party wants to see the system change, with our water supply brought back into public ownership at the earliest practicable opportunity.”
See more here ibtimes.co.uk
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VOWG
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But but but covid, how will they ever over sanitize their tiny hands?
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Alan
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The vaccines are all we need. 100% effective and 100% safe.
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Stephanie
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Cleaning our babies’ bottoms will definitely be a challenge especially when changing diapers away from home 😖
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Howdy
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“The plan emphasises the government’s wider efforts to reduce single-use plastics and tackle the growing problem of plastic pollution in the country’s waterways.”
As good an excuse as any. Meanwhile, plastic bread wrappers, carry bags (polythene) which are seemingly single use despite the surcharge (another scam) and such that are eminently recyclable are not even recycled. India does it, and makes paving out of it with a bit of added sand.
Useless tories that achieve nothing with two bit scam policies that will surely cost the consumer more.. Wonder how much plastic waste the houses of parliament generate?
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Tom
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Well, at least they haven’t gotten around to banning people yet, but they are working on it.
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VOWG
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Covid vaxxes are the method and trigger for that.
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Greg Spinolae
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Over 2000 billion covid masks estimated to enter global waterways annually.
LESS than 1000 billion wet-wipes even produced annually.
Masks serve the important silencing agenda, but wet-wipes only help cleanliness.
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herb
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Want to fix the UK’s problems than get rid of all the 3rd world migrants . That will eliminate all the stabbing murders.
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Climate Heretic
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Wait until they ban single use nappies!!!
Regards
Climate Heretic
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