Press Release: MEPs clamp down on wasteful use of plastic carrier bags

Under draft rules backed by the European Parliament on the 16 April 2014, EU countries would have to reduce the use of the most common and most polluting plastic bags by at at least 80% by 2019. MEPs recommended using taxes and levies, marketing restrictions or bans.

Plastic carrier bag litter is a major environmental problem, known to pollute water bodies and aquatic eco-systems in particular.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Reducing the use of lightweight plastic carrier bags http://www.europeansources.info/record/reducing-the-use-of-lightweight-plastic-carrier-bags/

ESO: Background information: Plastic bags, forever? http://www.europeansources.info/record/plastic-bags-forever/

EurActiv, 16.04.14: EU lawmakers vote to reduce plastic bag use http://www.euractiv.com/sections/sustainable-dev/eu-lawmakers-vote-reduce-plastic-bag-use-301608

Deutsche Welle, 16.04.14: EU to slash plastic bag use by 80 percent by 2019 http://dw.de/p/1Bjol

EurActiv, 14.11.14: Ex-Tory MP entangled in EU plastic bag lobbying row http://www.euractiv.com/sections/climate-environment/mep-and-ex-tory-mp-clash-over-plastic-bag-lobbying-309994

Deutsche Welle, 18.11.14: EU members argue over plastic bag law http://dw.de/p/1Dp2c

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