Capri introduces fine for plastics

The island of Capri in the Bay of Naples in Italy is one of the “most exclusive and crowded tourist destinations in Italy,” explains Agencia EFE. And such a popularity comes at a price, namely the abundance of unwanted plastic waste that ends up on the coastline and in the sea surrounding the gorgeous island.

According to Agencia EFE, “Investigators concluded that the marine area between the island and mainland Italy contained the largest amount of residue in the southwestern Italian region of Campania, with a density four times higher than in the rest of the Mediterranean country.”

To put an end to the slow but sure destruction of the island’s beauty, a ban on the use of single-use plastics such as cutlery, cups, and straws will take effect today, May 15th.

Shopkeepers are no longer allowed to sell anything made from single-use plastic, and have been given 90 days to get rid of their existing stock.

Bringing or selling single-use plastic items on the island could lead to a fine between $28 to $560. That said, don’t be nervous, becoming a zero-waste traveler is much easier than you think.

Capri is ahead of the European Parliament which recently announced an EU-wide ban on single-use plastics to take effect in 2021.

H/T: Lonely Planet

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