The Italian islands, Isole Tremiti, ban plastic cups, plates and utensils

Scientists measured alarming levels of plastic particles in the waters surrounding the archipelago, which lies within a protected marine reserve off the coast of Puglia

From May 1^st, plastic plates, cups, forks and other picnicware will be illegal on the Isole Tremiti, a chain of islands off Italy's eastern coast. The move comes after scientists measured alarming levels of plastic particles in the waters surrounding the archipelago, which lies within a protected marine reserve off the coast of Puglia. Researchers found 2.2 pieces of plastic per metre cubed of water, most of it polyethylene, the common plastic used to make bags, bottles and other packaging.

To stop this, the mayor, Mr. Antonio Fentini, decided to impose fines between 50 and 500 Euros on anyone – businesses or individuals – caught using plastic cups, plates or utensils on any of the archipelago's three islands. The mayor is calling on the mayors of all islands and coastal areas to follow suit as well.

Source: The Local