Author: AFP
An EU push towards bloc-wide rules on recyclable packaging to cut plastic and other waste got initial support in the European Parliament on Tuesday. The nod by the legislature's environment committee paves the way for a parliamentary vote in November to set the lawmakers' negotiating stance with European Union member countries. The goal is to reduce the 190 kilograms (420 pounds) of packaging waste each European throws away annually, on average -- a mountain of plastic, polystyrene, aluminium, paper and cardboard that has grown by more than 30 kilograms per person over a decade, according to EU statistics office Eurostat.