How much of a problem is single-use plastic?
The European Union’s ban on a range of everyday single-use plastics took effect on July 3, 2021. That means the 27 member states must keep these items off the EU market. The list includes cutlery, plates, straws and stirrers made of single-use plastic, as well as balloon sticks and cotton buds.
The law doesn’t apply to Switzerland, which is not a member of the EU. Should the Swiss adopt a similar ban? As a consumer how easy (or hard) is it for you to avoid single-use plastic products like cups or straws?
From the article Swiss to keep sipping from single-use plastics as EU ban takes effect
Surveys in various Western countries have shown that the younger generation is willing to pay more for sustainable packaging.
I am involved with converting plastic waste to sustainable feedstock to produce new recyclable plastic (without the need for fossil fuel). It is acknowledged by the big brands and packaging companies that recycled plastic is more expensive that fossil produced plastic, and it is known that consumers are demanding change from current plastic packaging.
There is fortunately gradual progress and light in the tunnel, but it will be a long road until this is mastered globally...
The big problem is salads in Migros and (especially) co-op. They have so many layers of plastic. A plastic ox full of bacon, inside a plastic box of lettuce with an egg and then a plastic bag of salad dressing.
Charging us extra for the salad dressing and fork is just annoying but doing something about the rest seems to not be considered.
Why can't I buy a lettuce without a plastic bag?
Why are so many "healthy" lunches three layers deep in single use plastic but without a fork?
More of the plastic food containers have the PET mark than before, they can be put in the PET containers. I don't know if the material has changed or just the mark...
Hi WALRUS - thanks for writing. It’s true that lots of packaging has the PET symbol, but local recycler “PET Recycling Switzerland” only accepts beverage bottles. The system isn’t able to recycle other items; consumers are instructed to throw those away for incineration.
Many plastic items around the world have a recycling symbol on them, but the reality is that very few facilities can actually recycle them.
This is why it’s so important to avoid plastic waste when you can. For example, yesterday a bakery clerk was about to put my to-go snack in a plastic box, but I quickly asked for a paper plate instead. It tasted much better that way!
If these single-use objects are replaced by other objects of different material which are still single-use (e.g. bamboo or cardboard straws, wooden cuttlery, cardboard plates) the effect might be in vain or even more energy is needed and more green house gases are emitted for the production.
Alternatives (often biodegradable) which might seem apealing at first sight, turn out to be more energy and green house gas intensive. A good example are cardboard straws. They do not only require more energy for production but they are also of much lower quality than their plastic equivalent. Of course biodegradable single-use objects are less poisonous and pose no harm to the environment if littered. And if I am not wrong, this was the main motivation behind the ban of single-use plastics in the EU. Because otherwise, in terms of energy and green house gases a much more detailed analysis based on scientific facts is needed rather than emotional and ideological opinions.
Plant based replacements absorb CO2 in production as well as emitting it.
YES! Of course it should be banned. There is no reason not to. No downsides, only upsides. And Switzerland should be ahead on these matters, not dragging its feet behind.
I am 82 yrs old and still remember clearly my youth days when we did WITHOUT plastics. I don't recall if it is Germany or Switzerland but - there was the time when plastic bottles and such could be returned, the manufacturer had to accept them for recycling. As usual, a lot of hot air and at the end of the day...same, old same - nothing changes.
Ich wohne in einem EU-Land und Plastik ist ueberall; gerade bei Aldi den in Plastik eingepackten Zuchetti, der dazu noch in einer Plastikschale liegt, wieder zurueck gelegt ins Regal; geh zum Biobauern. Verpackung ist ja auch Single-use Plastik. Und all die anderen unnoetigen Gegenstande, Acrylkleidung etc..... Haben wir ein Plastikproblem? Ehrlich? Nein, wir haben ein Begriffsstutzigkeit-Problem. Ich kann mich noch vage an die "Jutte statt Plastik" -Bewegung erinnern .... wie lange ist das her? 40 Jahre?
Single use plastics should absolutely be abolished and the situation in Switzerland is dismal. Week on week our family is disposing a 35l garbage bag of disposable plastics from items that we purchase at Coop - and we conducer ourselves conscious shoppers, choosing products that do not contain plastics whenever possible. Yet, over the last decade there has been virtually no progress on the matter.
Please, please, Switzerland. We are in the best global position to make a positive change. If not here, then where?? If not now, then when??
In Mexico, the dilemma of the proper use and disposal of plastic, whether single-use or recyclable, comes last for the majority of the population. With poverty rates above 50% of the population and a generalized lack of knowledge about the damage caused by plastic pollution, most people are concerned with solving basic needs. I am unaware of any regional or local organizations or associations that promote the correct use of plastics. Governments and legislators do not take serious measures to address the issue and do not promote awareness campaigns about the damage that is caused to the environment and consequently to the population.
Like Mexico, I imagine, are most of the 3rd world countries. And sadly, as another contributor mentions, as long as India, China, African states and America do not deal seriously and effectively with the problem of plastic waste pollution, the most advanced countries will be able to regulate themselves to the extreme and achieve agreed ecological objectives, but the impact will not be seen at a global level.
En México el dilema del uso y disposición adecuada del plástico, de uso único o reciclable, pasa a ultimo termino para la mayoría de la población. Con índices de pobreza por encima del 50% de los habitantes y un desconocimiento generalizado acerca del daño que causa la contaminación por utilización de plástico, la mayoría se ocupa de resolver necesidades básicas. Desconozco que existan organizaciones o asociaciones regionales o locales que promuevan el uso correcto de los plásticos. Los gobernantes y legisladores no toman medidas serias que aborden el tema y tampoco promueven campañas de sensibilización acerca del daño que es causado al medio ambiente y consecuentemente a la población.
Como México, me imagino, están la mayoría de los países de 3er mundo. Y tristemente, como menciona otro colaborador, mientras en India, China, estados de África y América no se trate con seriedad y efectividad el problema de la contaminación por deshecho de plástico, los países mas avanzados podrán autorregularse al extremo y lograr objetivos ecológicos pactados, pero no se verá el impacto a nivel global.
Quoting Greta Tunberg: 'blah, blah, blah'...and so it goes on day after day. Big words, big promises and at the end: NOTHING! And so it goes on with everything else that is polluting our planet.
A huge problem and instead of being a role model country in banning single-use plastic, we lag behind many other countries, some of which are even less developed but that have nonetheless led the way with this.
Consider the actual recycling of plastics ie burning fossil fuels and high energy electricity levels how paradoxical in the effort to recycle we are producing ever more increasing carbon footprint .
Single use must stop and be removed from circulation completely. I have formed the opinion that recycling any plastic product must end. Plastic must be removed from the chain. In this country we have that possibility through the use of the Verbrennungsanlagen. The emissions from these devices are strictly controlled and monitored and in the case of increased plastic waste disposal could be modified to lessen any increased gasses during the process.
Plastic must be completely eliminated at it's source and at it's end. Eventually plastic will be minimised to a tolerable workable level. Companies who depend on it's use in packaging must find alternate solutions available through newly discovered materials which are 100% biodegradable.
Our time is running out and drastic measures must be implemented if we are ever going to eliminate the mounds of plastic building up in virtually every country on the planet.
The time is now
As much as I agree with you, plastic will not go away; in fact it is on the increase. I develop plants that process plastic waste creating a feedstock to make recyclable plastics (without the need of fossil fuel). Admittedly this is not the silver bullet, but it is at least a small step in the right direction...
Of course. Single-use-plastic is actually a criminal offense and should be treated as such.
I spend my time on the beach in Lombok. Reading about other places our plastic problem is not (yet?) so huge, however, even a single plastic cup annoys me greatly.
Let me swim in peace, please.
Single used plastic should be banned and countries using them should be fined or taxed to the hilt.I am permanently infuriated by certain well publicised climate activists one quoting how the old had ruined her hopes and dreams .My Grandparents did not own a fridge mind you living in Scotland it was cold enough to keep items cold without a fridge recycled everything never had access to any plastic bags or the like .To the young you could not cope with our experiences or that of our Parents and Grandparents during the WW2 and post war era who had no instant luxuries such as you expect or have !
There aren't replacements for all uses, such as in medicine. In addition, replacements may be more environmentally unfriendly. More attention needs to be paid to the disposal and recycling as well.
Progress has been made, but more could be easily done. Fast food is now in cardboard containers here instead of styropor.
Switzerland should stop copying all the EU does. First the EU is no example for Switzerland, second some of these measures are extremely expensive and do not help to help the planet. Not if India, China, Africa and the Americas do not give a dime
China has introduced legislation to ban single use plastics. Many African countries have also banned e g. plastic bags. The EU has 450 million people.
As one of the richest countries, Switzerland can more easily afford any extra cost associated with plant based cutlery and dishes. An attitude of "you first" means nobody will take action.
You are correct about the countries you mentioned; however, like parents do, one needs to lead by example. 50 years ago we used to put all our waste in one dustbin or throw it in the valley; look where Switzerland and (most of) the EU are today...
Massive. We try to recycle everything but even then, we have rubbish bags full of plastic. I think consumers should have a choice between purchasing products in plastic and something else. I would welcome back the old days when we bought our cheese in paper, and milk in [glass] bottles. If a product comes in biodegradable material, it's more expensive. It should be the other way around. If a product is in single use plastic, charge more for it and ensure that eco-friendly options are more widely available. Over time, an outright ban on single use plastics just needs to be put in place and the industries will work out fast better alternatives because they will have to.
The packaging costs a few cents, regardless of the material, and doesn't influence the end price.
To each his own, there is still a huge demand from a convenience point of view, and from an environmental point of view, it should be resisted
各有所需，从方便的角度来看还有大量的需求，从环保的角度来说，应该抵制
The aforementioned single-use plastic products have actually been out of my house for a long time, and even when I order take-out at my house, I tell someone that I will bring my own lunch box to pick up, and then carry an insulated bag with various glass lunch boxes to the restaurant.
Provide disposable plastic products are often businesses, not users: we usually go to the supermarket to buy groceries, those plastic bags and plastic boxes for food, is it still the user's own production? Back when throwing the garbage can also take up space and portions, as an ordinary user I said I am very reluctant.
So I personally think that it is better to ban it.
上述一次性塑料制品其实已经很久没有出现在我家了，甚至我家连订外卖，都会跟人说好会自己带饭盒去取餐，然后提着保温袋装着各种玻璃饭盒去餐馆。
提供一次性塑料制品的往往是商家，不是用户：我们平时去超市买菜，那些装菜的塑料袋、塑料盒，难道还是用户自己生产的？回头扔垃圾箱时还占地方、占分量，作为普通用户我表示我很不愿意。
所以我个人认为，最好还是禁用吧。
"The following contribution has been automatically translated from ZH."
What language is "ZH"? Mainland Chinese?
In our home in UK, over the past 5 years or so, we have found that the space our recycling bags require, has doubled - we produce far more environment-polluting waste now, than just a few years ago.
Much of what goes into our recycling bags - is plastic. Almost all of this plastic is packaging from - raw/uncooked food and groceries.
We mainly buy fresh food, so in our garbage there is almost no metal (empty cans), but lot of fresh food comes packaged in plastic.
We would love to buy food (at least vegetables, etc) in paper bags, instead of plastic, but the all-powerful supermarkets could not care less about the environment, or our children, or even their own children for that matter.
So, the plastic problem is actually getting worse, not better.
Why is this happening? Because, like always, there is lot of talk, but no serious action.
Thank you for sharing the view from the UK. That sounds really frustrating, especially since it doesn't seem like there are any alternatives.
A question for you and our other readers:
Have you ever complained to a store or restaurant manager about packaging? And what was the reaction?
Hi Susan,
In UK, supermarkets have been reducing staff; managers generally are poorly trained and often do not even come out to speak to customers; when asked.
UK supermarket food is cheap; and quality reflects that. In media supermarket chains say, to keep costs low they have no alternatives for plastic packaging.
To some extent, I would blame us consumers; as most of us look for the cheapest food prices. Some, like myself, are willing to pay more for better quality food with environment- friendly packaging, but it simply does not exist.
On a side note, people have no problems paying £20 for a packet of cigarettes, or buying £1000+ phones, which are replaced often. Eating out has also become expensive, and restaurants are still packed. But consumers are not willing to pay more for better-packaged or better-quality food.
So, supermarkets just act in the manner we consumers (unintentionally) expect them to act. We value mobile phones more than we value our and Earth's health.
Strange but true.
Hi Susan, I don’t really understand your question as most goods in stores are packaged by the suppliers and not many are packaged in the stores. Some still offer customers additional plastic or paper bags but there is more often than not a charge for the former.
Hi Suze. True, though as I see it, the suppliers are likely to listen to the demands of the stores -- because the stores buy in bulk. That is, the store could tell a supplier, "We're getting complaints from a lot of our customers. Do you have any alternative packaging plans? Meanwhile we're looking into some other vendors who do."
Similarly, if you wanted to buy a meal-to-go you could say, "I like your food but not the take-away packaging. For example, Restaurant X down the road provides Y. Or can I bring my own containers for you to fill?"
Years ago, the first time I told a waiter I didn't want a straw, everyone looked at me like I was a weirdo. Today it's much easier -- and totally unnecessary in the European Union following the new ban.
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