A Tax on Plastic Untensils? How Would You React?

Robin Shreeves — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 13:33:15 +0000

Starting next year, France will institute a “taxe pique-nique,” a tax on plastic cups, knives and forks, and non-biodegradable paper plates and napkins. The goal, of course, is to discourage institutions and individuals from buying these one time use products that are harmful to the environment.

According to the Telegraph

A tax of 90 cents (71p) per kilogram (2.2 lbs) will be placed on plastic and paper throwaway cups from next year, aimed at cutting the average 360kg (793 lbs) of rubbish generated per person per year in France.

This concept of imposing a tax, or a levy as the French environment minister, Jean-Louis Borloo calls it, on environmentally unfriendly products is not new in France. They already have what is known as “bonus-malus” system which places higher taxes on high polluting vehicles and gives tax breaks for environmentally friendly cars.

Green Options » taxing environmentally unfriendly products

A Tax on Plastic Untensils? How Would You React?