Israel eliminates the tax on disposable plastic, a measure that had reduced its use by 50%

Israel’s new Minister of Economy, bezaleel smotrich, announced the elimination of the supplementary tax on single-use plastic objects, a measure ordered by his predecessor in office that had managed to reduce its use by 50%.

The decision, stated R.F.I., seems to have both political and religious motivations. The new minister, from the extreme right and promoter of the free market, launched this decision at the request of his allies from the ultra-Orthodox parties, despite the impact that this generates on the environment.

It is that, due to its regime and generally dealing with large families, the religious sectors in that country use disposable tableware, added to the fact that the country in general consumes on average much more plastic than Europe, for example.

Netanyahu formed the most right-wing government in Israel’s history

Religious Jews eat kosher, just like Muslims eat halal. But if halal refers mainly to meat and ritual sacrifice, kosher or kashrut is much more complex. This is a strict dietary code, strictly adhered to by observant Jews.

In short, meat and dairy should not mix, forcing households to have two plates, two pots, two pans, and two pairs of cutlery. This is because one part of the dishes is reserved exclusively for meat, while the other is used for dairy products.

In this context, disposable plastic becomes important to them because of its practicality: among religious Jews, especially the ultra-Orthodox, there are many large families, large dinners, and frequent family gatherings. Disposable tableware is therefore more practical.

However, although the ultra-Orthodox are singled out for this excessive use of plastic, they are not the only ones questioned for it. All of Israel is suitable for the use of disposable plates. According to the Ministry of Environmental Protection, each year an Israeli uses on average five times more plastic than a Europeandetailed the aforementioned medium.

The surcharge on plastics had reduced the use of single-use plastics by 50% after the measure was ordered by the former Minister of Finance, of secular tradition, who had conflicts with the ultra-Orthodox clergy. Now, with the return of the religious to power, the abolition of this special tax will undoubtedly have a strong ecological impact.

Source: RFI

AG PC