A French politician has urged a ban on the sale of small plastic water bottles, describing them as ‘completely absurd’ and ‘an environmental nonsense.’ Pierre Cazeneuve, a member of President Emmanuel Macron's Renaissance party, submitted a proposed law this week that seeks to end the sale of water bottles smaller than 500ml.

Explaining the rationale behind the proposed legislation, Cazeneuve argued that small plastic bottles are "absurd" as they "contain 20-25 grams of plastic for just three or four sips of water." The bill does not extend to restricting the sale of water in larger plastic containers.

The environmental impact of plastic bottles, particularly for water, has been widely documented. These containers make up a significant portion of plastic waste, contributing to the overwhelming pollution of land and oceans. Recycling efforts often fall short, as repurposing plastic is frequently considered a form of "greenwashing." Each recycling cycle degrades the quality of the material, which eventually ends up in landfills regardless.

Additionally, drinking from plastic containers introduces millions of microplastic particles into our bodies. A growing body of research has linked these contaminants to serious health concerns, including heart and lung diseases. Furthermore, purchasing bottled water is particularly irrational in places like Poland, where tap water is often of higher quality than that sold by the country's leading bottled water brands.

While the French bill faces a lengthy legislative process, it has garnered significant public support. According to a recent OpinionWay poll conducted for the NGOs Zero Waste France and No Plastic in My Sea, approximately two-thirds of the French population would back such a ban.

Source: euronews.com