New Zealand is now the first country to ban single-use produce bags at grocery stores

Patrons in New Zealand are already anticipated to bring their personal tote bags when visiting supermarkets. Presently, they will additionally be requested to carry their personal reusable bags while purchasing fresh produce.

The first nation in the globe to prohibit disposable grocery bags in supermarkets is acknowledged to be New Zealand. This regulation officially commenced on July 1.

Plastics that are used only once can result in various issues, such as obstructing drains during heavy rains, polluting natural surroundings, and causing harm to animals. James Palmer, the Environmental Secretary of New Zealand, predicts that the upcoming restriction will eradicate approximately 150 million plastic bags used for carrying groceries annually.

“That’s 17,000 plastic bags, every hour,” James Palmer noted in his statement.

In 2019, New Zealand no longer allowed stores to provide single-use plastic shopping bags. This measure takes waste-reducing efforts a step further by banning recyclable, biodegradable or plant-based plastic. Instead, customers are encouraged to carry mesh, paper or canvas bags to hold their produce.

In 2019, shops in New Zealand were no longer permitted to offer disposable plastic bags. This action goes beyond waste reduction by prohibiting biodegradeable, recyclable, or plant-derived plastic bags. Instead, shoppers are urged to bring netted, cardboard or cloth bags to store their groceries.

Nations worldwide have gradually been shifting away from disposable plastic bags—either implementing charges for their usage or prohibiting their usage in stores.

Representatives from 175 countries are collaborating via the United Nations Environment Assembly to develop a global strategy to halt plastic contamination, with their efforts continuing until 2024.

By 2021, a total of eight states in the United States (including California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New York, Oregon, and Vermont) had enacted legislation forbidding retailers from supplying disposable plastic bags for customers.

The prohibition on using bags for produce is not the sole plastic limitation being implemented in New Zealand. The nation has additionally prohibited the production, vending, and circulation of disposable dishes, bowls, and utensils. Furthermore, establishments will solely be permitted to provide single-use plastic straws to individuals with disabilities or medical requirements.

If you think that’s rough, offenders of Kenya’s plastic bag ban in Africa face fines and even prison time for using plastic bags.