More Establishments Joining the Movement to Ban Single-Use Plastics
In recent months, an increasing number of well-known establishments are jumping on the bandwagon to ban single-use plastics from their premises. Such institutions include Seaworld Entertainment, Inc, which removed plastic straws and shopping bags from all 12 of its theme parks.
Ikea, a Swedish furniture chain with 363 branches worldwide, announced that it plans to phase out all single-use products from its stores and restaurants by 2020. The company has invested in a plastics recycling plant to reach its aim of using only recycled materials for its plastic products.
In Singapore, KFC also declared that it will no longer provide plastic caps and straws at its 84 outlets. Though it will continue to provide plastic caps for takeaway drinks, this initiative is the first among fast-food chains in Singapore.
On a wider scale, the European Union recently revised its rules and regulations on single-use plastic to reduce marine litter. These new rules include bans on certain plastic products, consumption reduction targets and labelling requirements.
While these bold movements are heartening and encouraging, more big establishments need to pitch in and propose radical plans in order for us to drastically cut our plastic waste.