New York State put into effect a new plastic bag ban on March 1 that aims to reduce high levels of plastic consumption and mitigate environmental hazards, such as water and air pollution from plastic disposal. The new ban prohibits any distribution of plastic bags by any establishment that collects New York State tax unless it is an exempt bag — bags used for pharmacy prescriptions or produce bags used for fruits and vegetables. Plastic bags are used for everyday purposes such as buying groceries, getting takeout foods, and in retail — only some of which are recycled. “[What] makes plastics really tricky is that they don’t really disappear…we are used to treating plastic like it’s disposable,” Jorgenson said. The “#BYOBagNY” initiative urges New Yorkers to replace their plastic bags with reusable and more sustainable ones.

Source: Daily Sun March 16, 2020 23:48 UTC