-
Hear the voice of the ‘French Tom Cruise’ in railway stations
Revisit our 2024 interview with the American actor’s French doubleur, Jean-Philippe Puymartin
-
French mayor criticises German border checks as cars and trains stopped
The new checks negatively affect those who cross border to work or study
-
Storms in south, sun in north: French weekend weather outlook May 10 - 11
Hail is expected in the south-west on Saturday
Plastic bag ban delayed to April
European Commission has yet to approve the law, which would banish single-use bags from shops
A BAN on single-use plastic bags in all French shops, which was due to come into force on January 1, has been delayed for three months.
The measure, which is part of a wide-ranging law on the transition to renewable energy, is awaiting approval from the European Commission which asked for clarification on some minor points.
The ban was approved by parliament in September and environment minister Ségolène Royal hopes it will create jobs in the manufacturing of biodegradable and long-life bags.
Hypermarket chains have already reduced their plastic bag use over the past decade in a voluntary agreement. The number of bags they gave out fell from 10.5 billion in 2002 to 600 million last year. Some shops charge a few centimes to encourage shoppers to bring their own bags.