Press Release: Environment: Commission proposes to reduce the use of plastic bags

On 4 November 2013, the European Commission adopted a proposal that requires Member States to reduce their use of lightweight plastic carrier bags.

Member States can choose the measures they find most appropriate, including charges, national reduction targets or a ban under certain conditions. Lightweight plastic bags are often used only once, but can persist in the environment for hundreds of years, often as harmful microscopic particles that are known to be dangerous to marine life in particular.

• Primary Source

European Commission: RAPID: Memo, MEMO/13/945: Questions and answers on the proposal to reduce the consumption of plastic bags http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-13-945_en.pdf

EurActiv, 04.11.13: Brussels looks to cut plastic bag use http://www.euractiv.com/sustainability/brussels-looks-cut-plastic-bag-u-news-531491

EUObserver, 04.11.13: EU commission seeks to reduce use of plastic bags http://euobserver.com/environment/121973

Euronews, 04.11.13: EU wants to scrap plastic bag waste http://euronews.com/2013/11/04/eu-wants-to-scrap-plastic-bag-waste/

Deutsche Welle, 05.11.13: EU wants plastic out of marine stomachs http://dw.de/p/1ABlJ

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