The European Union parliament has overwhelmingly voted to ban single-use plastics such as straws, forks and knives by 2021.
The ban was backed in a 560-35 vote yesterday, and will affect a range of plastic products including plates, balloon sticks and earbuds.
It will also include food and beverage containers made of expanded polystyrene and all products made of oxo-degradable plastic.
Growing concerns over plastic pollution in oceans and stories of dead whales with plastic in their stomachs prompted the EU to take more drastic steps to tackle the issue. Marine litter has come under the spotlight because 85% of it is plastic, the Independent reported.
While EU member states have given their support, they will need to vote on the measure for it to go info effect.
