New Zealand becomes first country to ban plastic bags

New Zealand becomes first country to ban plastic bags

New Zealand has become the first country to institute a complete ban on thin plastic bags used in supermarkets for fruits and vegetables. In addition, the ban covers other items like plastic straws and silverware. This move is an extension of the nation's ongoing crusade against single-use plastics, which began with a ban on thicker plastic shopping bags in 2019. The decision builds on New Zealand’s commitment to sustainable practices, and its efforts to combat plastic pollution. As a result, an estimated reduction of 150 million bags annually is expected. These bans are specifically aimed at reducing plastic waste and encouraging the use of reusable alternatives for packaging goods.

Important Points to remember:

1. New Zealand is the first country to ban thin plastic bags.
2. The ban includes plastic straws and silverware.
3. New Zealand's campaign against single-use plastics began in 2019, with a ban on thicker shopping bags.
4. The new ban is expected to contribute to an estimated reduction of 150 million bags per year.
5. The goal of these efforts is to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainability.