The new proposal to ban wet wipes in the UK have divided opinion amongst parents.
On Monday, Michael Gove announced plans to outlaw wet wipes, in a bid to reduce the amount of plastic being used by UK households.
However, some parents expressed their anger at the move, branding the product as a necessity when raising children.
A number of reports have documented the devastating effects of plastic waste on the planet.
Plastic is responsible for wreaking havoc with clogging sewers and have detrimental effects on marine life, which ultimately leads to their death.
https://t.co/cSpY23sgDI
— EHHI (@EHHI) May 4, 2018
Wet wipe pollution changing the shape of British riverbeds
More than 5,000 #wetwipes found in an area next to the Thames the size of half a tennis court. This is not just happening on the Thames, but on rivers and canals all round the country. pic.twitter.com/7uGi1iMkQO
Nevertheless, many parents took to Twitter to voice their disapproval of the ban, while others have questioned why one would ever flush a wet wipe.
“Never thought I could be this angry over them wanting to ban wet wipes in the UK,” one person wrote on Twitter. “Saying they’re gonna turn to ‘tissues’. “Mate, have you tried wiping a baby’s bum with a tissue?”
Never thought I could be this angry over them wanting to ban wet wipes in the UK. Saying they're gonna turn to "tissues".
— Jessica (@QueenSapphireUK) May 8, 2018
Mate, have you tried wiping a baby's bum with a tissue? #wetwipes #uk
#Wetwipes are especially unbelievable as a so-called "avoidable" consumer excess - which is the justifying narrative being presented for outlawing them. Try telling that to young working parents.
— James McIntyre (@JamesMcIntyre_E) May 8, 2018
Others were quick to point out that not all parents flush wet wipes down the toilet and those who do, should be held responsible. Therefore a blanket ban would be unfair.
“Ban the fools that flush them!” one person wrote.
Another added: “Can’t believe people are stupid enough to flush them down the toilet.
Essential item for new mums though - in fact for most of us! If only people wouldn't flush them down the loo... There must be a good biodegradable brand? #wetwipes #plastic
— Julia Margo (@jules_margo) May 8, 2018
#wetwipes In the news "wet wipes to be phased out" due to creation of fatbergs etc. I have two children and have never flushed a baby wipe or anything like it. People...
— J Swinburne #FBPE (@CondurJ) May 8, 2018
Several Twitter users were confused about why some parents were upset at the proposal and welcomed the move in the fight against plastic waste.
Why would parents be angry over a ban of a non biodegradable product that is harmful to the environment? The very same world they need to leave to their children. Humans are messed up! #environment #wetwipes https://t.co/turrXPaNSi
— PhatGrrl (@PhatGrrl) May 8, 2018
Wow. This will be brilliant if it happens! #WetWipes are a total menace. I teach kids about them & fatbergs & the problems they cause. A total ban would be fab but will trigger a backlash I bet!! https://t.co/GAOnhNZwl0
— Paula Owen (@DrPaulaOwen) May 8, 2018
Weighing in on the discussion, people highlighted the importance wet wipes potentially play for those with disabilities.
“There are disabled people that need easier hygiene products though. I have friends that need these,” a user remarked.
“If they are not flushed, and made of biodegradable ingredients, isn’t that different? Abled people rarely think of these considerations I notice.”
In a statement, a spokeswoman for the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said the organisation is working with manufacturers and retailers of wet wipes to ensure the labelling clearly states how to dispose of them correctly.
What do you think of the wiping-out wet wipes?
