The European Parliament overwhelmingly approved a ban on certain single-use plastic items Wednesday in an effort to clean up oceans and beaches.
The BBC reported members voted 571 to 53 in favor of a proposal targeting throwaway items like plastic plates, straws and cutlery.
The ban — which will apply to all European Union member countries — was first proposed by the European Commission back in May.
The single-use plastic items expected to go off the market account for the majority of trash found on European beaches and seas.
EU member states will still need to approve the final rules on the ban, which Parliament hopes to have in effect by 2021.
