The tiny plastic beads pollute waterways and oceans, where they can be eaten by marine life and end up in the human food chain. The tiny plastic beads pollute waterways and oceans, where they can be eaten by marine life and end up in the human food chain. Since we called for a ban, my committee has also recommended a deposit return scheme for plastic bottles, a latte levy for plastic-lined coffee cups and reforms to make producers responsible for their packaging." A deposit return scheme involves consumers paying a small deposit that is refunded when they return empty plastic bottles and is common in many parts of the world including Denmark, Germany and Australia. cosmetic products containing tiny plastic particles known as microbeads will be banned by May 2018.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 08, 2018 21:11 UTC