Unfortunately, the single-use plastic wrap is what helps keep fruits and veggies fresh and clean, and almost every household or market uses it.
Supermarkets are overflown with this type of packaging, most of which isn’t recyclable.
Sadly, plastic waste that’s produced by food consumption ends up in landfills and the ocean.
This is why plenty of countries today have taken measures to fight off plastic pollution. Among them is Spain that has recently announced its ban on plastic wrap.
Spain Is Determined: We Will Put a Ban on Plastic Wraps for Fruits & Veggies
The Spanish Ministry for Ecological Transition is prepping the decree that will place the ban on plastic produce wrap sold in stores and that’s weighing under 1.5 kilos or around 3.3 pounds.
This ban will start in 2023. The makers hope it will motivate shoppers to buy in bulk or reach for reusable packaging.
What’s more, the new decree is also looking for ways to make drinking water accessible without the overuse of plastic water bottles.
They’re also thinking about regulating plastic cups.
The Spanish ban comes after France placed a similar ban on plastic wrap and is scheduled to begin in 2022. Moreover, other countries like the UK and India have decided to place a ban on some classes of single-use plastics in the upcoming years.
Spanish authorities explain that the need for this regulation was accomplished thanks to an eye-opening study that was recently published in the Marine Pollution Bulletin.
According to this study, microplastic is a major issue along the beautiful coasts of Spain.
The study doesn’t just state facts but also outlines the steps that both local and international governments, as well as businesses and individuals, can do to contribute to a less plastic-polluted environment.
The researchers believe that a drastic drop in single-use plastic production globally is the way to the solution.
And, they explain that the upcoming ban on plastic wrap in Spain is a step towards the solution.
What’s Spain’s Contribution to a Polluted Planet?
Believe it or not, the plastic packaging used in Spain contributes to 1.6 million tons of plastic waste on a yearly basis, according to data provided by the Ministry of Ecological Transition. And, only less than 50 percent of this amount is recycled.
The new measures are being discussed with business leaders and green groups, according to the Ministry. Julio Barea from Greenpeace notes that the group has supported the ban, but they’re waiting to see how it will be applied.
Overall, Barea claims that the center-left government of Spain hasn’t done enough in the fight against plastic pollution by emphasizing that ‘we drink, eat, and breathe plastic’.
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