The state of Queensland, Australia, has officially banned the use of disposable plastic products, including plastic straws, mixing spoons, plastic tableware, and disposable take-out boxes and cups made of polystyrene foam. Only a small number of items with special medical care needs can be exempted.
The "plastic ban" has been implemented for a week and has won strong support from the public. The survey showed that 94% of the 20,000 interviewees supported this proposal because it will also help protect Queensland’s most prestigious world natural heritage-the Great Barrier Reef. And the related tourism industry can bring about 6 billion Australian dollars (about 4.4 billion US dollars) in income and 60,000 jobs. This ban is another move to "declare war" on garbage following the state's ban on disposable plastic bags in 2018.
Queensland Governor Anastasia Palaschuk said that more than 75% of the trash on Queensland’s beaches is made of plastic, and this ban will help reduce pollutants on Queensland’s natural habitats. Prevent the risk of death if animals such as sea turtles eat garbage by mistake.
It is understood that this ban is part of the state government's 1.4 billion Australian dollars (about 1 billion US dollars) economic recovery plan from the new crown epidemic.
In the past three months, the government has contacted more than 5,000 companies and retailers to help them prepare for the ban. It is hoped that while helping the state's economy to gradually recover from the impact of the new crown epidemic, it can also reduce plastic waste and protect the environment.
