British Ban on Microbeads to Protect Oceans Comes Into Force
- Nation outlaws making products with microscopic plastic beads
- Tiny particles pollute waterways and end up in the foodchain
An exfoliating daily wash containing micro-beads.
Photographer: Yui Mok/AP Photo
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U.K.’s ban on making products with microbeads -- tiny plastic particles in everything from cosmetics to shampoo and toothpaste -- takes effect Tuesday in an effort to protect marine life.
“I am delighted that from today cosmetics manufacturers will no longer be able to add this harmful plastic to their rinse-off products,” said Environment Minister Therese Coffey. “The world’s seas and oceans are some of our most valuable natural assets. I am determined we act now to tackle the plastic that devastates our precious marine life.”