EU proposes ban on plastics including straws and cotton buds

The European Union has proposed banning plastic products like cotton buds, straws, stirs and balloon sticks - when alternatives are easily available - in an attempt to reduce litter spoiling beaches and ocean beds.

The European Commission said its proposal would seek to cut marine litter in half for the ten most prominent items and avoid environmental damage estimated at over €215.23bn over the next 12 years.