The European Parliament will phase out the use of all plastic water bottles and other single-use plastic items, the Parliament announced on Wednesday.
"The Bureau of the European Parliament decided on Monday to phase out the use of all plastic water bottles as well as other single-use plastic items used in canteens, in line with the EU drive towards a circular economy and plastic waste strategy," the statement said.
The decision is the final stage of a project that has already seen the installation of 166 water fountains in its buildings and the restriction of the offer of plastic water bottles in meetings lasting less than 1.5 hours, it continued.
According to the new decision, the President and 14 vice-presidents of parliament (the bureau) decided not to offer plastic bottles and items at all meetings and large-scale events any longer.
The catering outlets in Parliament will also phase out plastic cups, cutlery and other items, replacing them with biodegradable or recyclable ones.
"I am very happy that Parliament, with this decision, is setting the example in the battle for reducing plastic waste," Heidi Hautala, vice-president responsible for Eco-Management and Audit Scheme, was quoted as saying.
The parliament noted that the phasing out will begin from July 2019 and would respect existing contractual obligations.
(Anadolu Agency, 06/15/2018)
