‘Environmental nonsense’: Here’s why France wants to ban bottled water

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🗞️ Driving the news: A French lawmaker, Pierre Cazeneuve, has proposed a ban on small plastic water bottles under 50cl, labeling them "environmental nonsense"
• The bill aims to address the disproportionate amount of plastic used for minimal water content. It will need to go through parliamentary debate and approval to become law

🔭 The context: France already has legislation targeting single-use plastics, banning items like straws and take-away containers
• However, plastic water bottles have not been covered, despite producing 13 billion bottles annually, many of which aren't recycled
• Public support for stricter regulations is significant, with two-thirds of French citizens favoring a ban on small plastic bottles

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The initiative could significantly reduce plastic waste, as non-recycled bottles contribute to ocean pollution and environmental degradation
• Reducing small bottle use aligns with France's ongoing efforts to minimize single-use plastics
The proposal could set a precedent for other nations aiming to curb plastic waste

⏭️ What's next: The bill's passage is uncertain due to a divided parliament and the lack of a majority party
• If it progresses, France may expand efforts to promote reusable bottles and public water refilling options
• The debate could also reignite scrutiny of the bottled water industry and its environmental practices

💬 One quote: "These bottles contain 20-25 grams of plastic for just three or four sips of water" - Pierre Cazeneuve, underscoring the wastefulness of small plastic bottles

📈 One stat: At least 13 billion plastic bottles are produced each year in France, with many ending up unrecycled

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