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Motion for a resolution by the Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety ENVI A straw in the ocean: With Europe producing 58 million tonnes of plastic every year but only 30% being recycled, how can the EU reduce plastic waste and ensure plastic materials are recycled or discarded in an environmentally-safe way? Chaired by Luke Bishop (IE)
The European Youth Parliament aims to ensure plastic, including Single Use Plastics (SUPs) is recycled in an environmentally friendly way. We aim to decrease the amount of plastic waste entering the seas and destroying the environment. Furthermore, we aim to educate our citizens on the dangers and consequences of plastic pollution on the environment, wildlife, and health. We aim to continue the progress of the EU towards reaching the targets stated in the Paris Agreement. • • • •
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Deeply concerned by the fact that there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean by weight in 2050, Noting with regret that only 41.9% of plastic waste was recycled in the EU in 2017, Aware that biodegradable plastics such as PLA and PHA1 account for less than 1% of the world-wide plastic consumption, Deeply alarmed by the increased consumption of Single Use Plastics (SUPs) as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a slower implementation of the Single Use Plastics Directive, Recognising the unknown effects of plastic ingestion by humans through food and water sources, Noting with deep concern that plastic waste is polluting the environment and harming wildlife at increasing rates, Commending the efforts of countries such as Bangladesh, Rwanda and Kenya in banning disposable bags and other single use plastic products such as plastic straws and water bottles;
The European Youth Parliament, 1. Encourages Member States to introduce a EU-wide tax on multinational companies who refuse to comply with targets stated in the Paris Agreement;
PLA and PHA are biopolymers made from renewable resources. They are made from natural resources which can biodegrade. 1
1st General Assembly Day
