Some nations have imposed bans on plastic bags in an attempt to excessive waste. Let’s find out why we need to have a single-use plastic ban and which areas have taken this measure.
Nowadays, plastic bags are everywhere. Because they seem like a cheap, convenient way to carry our goods. In various ways, plastic bags are wreaking havoc on the world. Nearly one trillion plastic bags are used per year worldwide, according to the Earth Policy Institute. The problem is that these bags contain polyethylene and do not biodegrade. It means if they aren’t recycled or disposed of properly, they become pollution.
The World's Fight Against Plastic Bags
As a result of the growing plastic bag epidemic, some nations, states, and localities are taking steps and putting a stop to the use of plastic bags entirely. In an attempt to curb their popularity, other places have started to tax retailers or consumers who want to use plastic bags.
Africa
There are more than 15 countries on the continent that have banned single-use plastic bags completely or charge a tax on them. Here are some of them: Keny, Mali, Cameroon, Morocco, South Africa, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Botswana.
Asia
Asia countries have bans or taxes in place, including China, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Taiwan.
Australia
While Australia doesn’t have a ban on plastic bags; however, several states and territories have begun to put bans in place, including the Northern Territory, South Australia, and Tasmania.
Europe
Europe has been very active in its fight against plastic bags. In 1994, Denmark was the first country to begin charging a tax on them. Other countries that currently have measures in place include England, Italy, Wales, Scotland, and Germany.
North America
Some countries in North America are fighting the use of plastic bags: Hawaii, District of Columbia, Seattle, Maine, New York, Rhode Island, and Puerto Rico.
South America
Certain areas in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Colombia have taken measures to reduce plastic bag use, such as using only biodegradable bags and implementing recycling programs.
What Can Be Done to Help?
That brings us to the BIG question: what can you and I do to help? Well, Sean Hammond, Deputy Policy Director of the Michigan Environmental Council, says that ‘Eliminating plastic bags is a necessary step to decreasing the amount of waste and pollution in the long term. Replacing all plastic and paper bags with reusable bags would mark a significant shift toward waste and pollution elimination. The first step should be to reuse bags you have – be it paper, plastic, or textile. Plastic bag fees have been effective in reducing the consumption of these bags.’
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