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It seems the EU is serious about trying to save our planet. The latest proof was the explanation I recently received about a struggle I’ve had since I arrived.

It isn’t a big thing. In fact it’s about a very small thing…so small in fact most people don’t even pay attention to it. And that was the problem. Turns out the little item that caused a big stir is the cap of a plastic bottle.

Researchers found that bottle caps are one of the biggest sources of plastic litter found along beaches. And the production and incineration of plastic was estimated to add 850 (yes 850!) million tons of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere in 2019 alone! Impressively, Coca Cola was a leader in responding to the challenge. The company embraced the change and led with the introduction of a new design which other manufacturers are adopting.

So, as of July 3rd all EU states must have phased in a tethered cap for all plastic bottles up to 3 liters. That rule is part of broader legislation from 2018 that also addresses other environmental issues. (As an aside, plastic bags can’t be found here. If you don’t bring your own bag, your purchases will be put in a sack that’s either paper or compostable.)

Back to the annoying little caps. I am not the only one frustrated by the cap you can’t remove. Businesses objected because of concerns about increased production costs. Consumers like me found it made sipping from the bottle or pouring over the tethered cap a bit challenging.

But the rationale for the reimagined caps is simple and compelling. If you can’t remove it you are more likely to recycle the bottle with cap attached. I’ve adjusted. A cap tickling my nose is a small price to pay to help save our planet!