Au revoir to Plastic Plates and Cutlery

[Claire.]

France becomes the first country to ban plastic plates and cutlery.

France has apparently become the first country in the world to ban plastic plates, cups and utensils, passing a law that will go into effect in 2020. Exceptions will be allowed for items made of compostable, biosourced materials.

The new law is a part of the country’s Energy Transition for Green Growth Act, the same legislation that also outlawed plastic bags in grocery stores and markets beginning in July. Although plastic bags are forbidden in other countries — including in some U.S. states — no country seems to have embraced a plastic ban as sweeping as France’s will be.

Read more: The Washington Post

[Zenith]

I admit I keep plastic cutlery around for when I am too lazy to turn on the dishwasher, but good move on the part of the French. Everyone else should follow their lead as there's really no need for plastic when other materials are available.