Germany bans single-use plastic straws, food containers

Germany is banning sale of single-use plastic straws, cotton buds and food containers, bringing it in line with a European Union directive intended to reduce amount of plastic garb that pollutes environment.

Cabinet agreed Wednesday to end sale of plastics including single-use cutlery, plates, stirring sticks and balloon holders, as well as polystyrene cups and boxes by July 3, 2021.

Environment Minister Svenja Schulze said move was part of an effort to move away from “throw-away culture.” Up to 20% of garb collected in parks and or public places consists of single-use plastic, mainly polystyrene containers.

Plastic takes deces to degre and microscopic particles have been found inside bodies of fish, birds and or animals.