Government Action

Key Facts | Government Action | Plastic Alternatives

The following Government based initiatives show a world-wide move to reduce plastic and work to reduce the unbelievable environmental impact of its use. The following facts are provided for informational purposes only to bring awareness to the issues at hand.

Action by Country

China - nationwide ban on free distribution of plastic grocery bags. From 1 July stores must charge consumers for bag usage.

Ireland - 15-20c levy (Plastax) on all plastic shopping bags. According to the Natural Environment this has resulted in a 95% reduction in plastic bag use. The bag tax model is being reviewed for use world-wide.

Australia - considering a plastax similar to Ireland. Voluntary program to reduce plastic has had a 90% retailer sign-up rate.

Taiwan - has banned free distribution of plastic bags.

USA - many cities are undertaking their own initiatives. For example San Franscico has banned plastic bags, while cities such as Seattle and Portland are also considering similar moves or a bag tax.

South Africa - has a bag tax levy and banned ultr-thin plastic bags.

Kenya - has a bag tax levy.

India - ultr-thin bag banned. This came about after 3,000 cows were dieing each month from plastic bag consumption.

Bangladesh - first country to ban plastic bags.

Scotland - plastax in place on all bag sales.

UK - Plas tax being reviewed presently after some cities implemented their own policies.

 

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So what's the Alternative to plastic?

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