AP: EU nations reach major breakthrough to stop shipping plastic waste to poor countries

[OKIsItJustMe]

EU nations reach major breakthrough to stop shipping plastic waste to poor countries

BY SAMUEL PETREQUIN
Updated 9:54 AM EST, November 17, 2023

BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union made a major breakthrough Friday in efforts to stop sending its plastic trash to poor countries.

Under a tentative agreement, the 27 EU countries will no longer be able to export their plastic waste outside the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development club of wealthy countries.

The text now needs to be formally approved by both the council representing the EU member states and the EU Parliament to enter into force.

Only a third of plastic waste in Europe is recycled, and half of the plastic collected for recycling is exported to be treated in countries outside the EU.

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[pandr32]

1. What of the remaining 45%?

The article indicates the amount of plastic is getting larger, so even if the amount not recycled is 45% after the green deal tweeks--what will happen to it? Will it still wind up as huge hills all over poor countries even after the so-called stricter conditions?

[OKIsItJustMe]

2. Yeah, I know...

It’s a step in the right direction. Which is one whole lot better than nothing.

[pandr32]

5. We need to do much more.

Plastic is not fantastic. We are poisoning the oceans, the mountaintops, even fetuses in the womb. We wear it, eat it, breathe it.

[OKIsItJustMe]

6. Right!

However, we must not let perfect become the enemy of good!

[Stargazer99]

3. Charge business for plastic wrappings instead of trying to make customers

not purchase plastic enclosed items...oh wait I can already hear the whine and cry of business we must not upset our gods. I can remember a time before plastic and business did not die

[OKIsItJustMe]

4. I haven't noticed any major efforts to stop customer from buying plastic enclosed items

I recently boght a (plastic) bicycle taillight.

The packaging used absolutely no plastic (100% recycled cardboard!)