Beginning in March 2020, single-use plastic bags from retail sales will be banned throughout New York state. A large amount of single-use plastics that are thrown out end up in the ocean and results in the death of sea life.
There have been multiple instances where sea life, like whales, have been found with bellies full of plastic. When you combine this with climate change, sea mammals and fish populations are beginning to shrink noticeably. Not only do these bags pollute the oceans, but they can be seen on land and in trees as well.
There Is No Need For Plastic Bags
One of the biggest problems with any type of single-use plastic product is that there is almost always an alternative that can be used. In the case of plastic bags, reusable bags exist and have existed for many years. On top of this, there are freezer bags that keep your frozen and refrigerated products at the proper temperature while transporting your groceries and these items are reusable. This makes plastic bags not only an environmental hazard but also an inferior product that can be eliminated.
There Are Exceptions
Like most things in legislation, there are exceptions to the law. Some of them include the plastic bags used to store deli meat, raw meat packaging, newspaper bags, and takeout food bags to name a few. While other alternatives can be used for these products, ultimately getting rid of plastic bags is substantially more important.
Plenty of Places Are Banning Single-Use Plastics
New York State is not alone when it comes to banning single-use plastics. In 2016, California also banned plastic bags and have also banned plastic straws from restaurants. Hawaii has also banned plastic bags. Outside of the United States other countries have begun to ban various items as well.
The Irish Government has stopped purchasing single-use plastics for government agencies. In 2018, the EU passed legislation that will ban specific items. The war on single-use plastics is beginning to ramp up and eventually many of these policies will become a standard.
