The Czech capital city Prague has banned single-use plastics from being used at all festivals and events sponsored by the city.

Since 1st May 2019, all event contracts signed off by City Hall will contain a clause preventing any food or beverage being sold in or with disposable plastics.

Among other items, the ban includes single-use plastic cups, plates, bowls, knives and forks. Anything food is served in must be returnable and washable.

Hana Třeštíková, the City Councilor responsible for culture, said: “I want to find in my responsibility all the possibilities for Prague to behave in a more environmentally friendly manner. Reducing disposable plastics is the most effective means of fighting for cleaner nature and oceans. I hope that Prague will not remain alone and inspire other organizers and operators.”

“The ban on disposable plastics will be valid at all cultural events that Prague financially supports with individual subsidies, including large music festivals. Most of the dishes serve only for a few minutes, while there are far more gentle options, such as returnable cups. This is the way that a modern city like Prague has to go.”

Local media reported the ban will extend beyond festivals to any artistic and cultural events sponsored by the city.

An EU-wide ban on plastic cutlery, cotton buds, straws and stirrers is expected to come into force in 2021 after a European Parliament vote back in March. European citizens generate 25 million tonnes of plastic waste every year.

Cigarette waste is the leading plastic pollutant found on many EU beaches, though biodegradable cigarette filters are now available. An EU directive mandates that all cigarette filters will be partially biodegradable by 2025.

Last year, over 60 British festivals banned glitter, typically made out of plastic then coated with aluminium. The microplastic particles make their way into the environment polluting fields and oceans. Biodegradable glitter is now available online and is starting to appear on the high street.

Image credits:

Header – Jack Cheeseborough / (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Campsite – Gavin Lynn / (CC BY 2.0)