Berlin. At the press conference at the Federal Environment Ministry, Federal Environment Minister Svenja Schulze presented a five-point plan for less plastic in everyday life. She wants to introduce a so-called "trend reversal" in the handling of plastic so that environmentally conscious handling of plastic waste becomes even more attractive for consumers. For the plan, Schulze is primarily trying to reach voluntary agreements with retailers and create EU-wide regulations.
Contents of the five-point plan against plastic waste
The politician's five-point plan includes the following:
- Tap water: Tap water should be available in all German cities in the future. Tap water is much better for the environment than water from plastic bottles. Citizens do not have to worry about the quality of the water - the tap water is monitored by the waterworks.
- Packaging in the trade: Unnecessary plastic packaging, such as for cucumbers and bananas, will be a thing of the past. At the beginning of the year, the SPD politician wants to start a dialog with retailers to find a solution to the packaging problem.
- Long life: Schulze wants manufacturers to have to specify a lifespan for their products. This would allow consumers to decide on the longevity of various products. Products should also become more recyclable and repairable.
- Strengthening the reputation of recycled plastic: Schulz would also like to start a dialog with manufacturers about the reputation of recycled plastic so that manufacturers use more recycled plastic in production in the future.
- Impart knowledge: Schulze would particularly like to support countries that produce a lot of plastic waste in setting up collection and recycling systems. A budget of around 50 million euros has been earmarked for this project over the next decade.
Critics emphasize that Schulze's ideas are by no means new and that the plan does not contain any particular innovations to the EU plan against plastic waste.
Cover picture: © deutsche presse agency
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