Officials in the U.K. are considering a ban on cotton swabs and plastic straws amid growing concern over the issue of plastic waste pollution.

According to recent findings, it is estimated that 8.5 billion plastic straws are thrown away each year in the U.K. alone, contributing to the waste.

As such, Prime Minister Theresa May warns that the issue of plastic waste is "one of the greatest environmental challenges facing the world."

Calling the U.K. a world leader in the fight against plastic waste with initiatives such as a ban on plastic microbeads and a charge for plastic bags, May is urging leaders at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (a gathering of the heads of government of the Commonwealth of Nations) to follow the U.K.'s lead.

"Alongside our domestic action, this week we are rallying Commonwealth countries to join us in the fight against marine plastics," she said.

"The Commonwealth is a unique organisation, with a huge diversity of wildlife, environments and coastlines. Together we can effect real change so that future generations can enjoy a natural environment that is healthier than we currently find it."