New Zealand bans plastic bags for fresh produce in supermarkets

The ban on plastic bags in shops has been expanded to narrow carriers, which are typically used to store fruits or vegetables, by New Zealand, the first nation in the world to do so.

The action, which went into effect on Saturday, is a component of the government’s larger anti-single-use plastics strategy.

After take-home plastic bags were outlawed in 2019, the majority of customers now bring their own bags to the store.

Some nations have recently implemented fees or bans on plastic bags.

According to Associate Environment Minister Rachel Brooking,” New Zealand generates too much waste, particularly cheap spend.”

She continued by saying that since the restrictions on thicker luggage went into effect in 2019, more than one billion plastic bags had been saved.

The fresh action is anticipated to stop 150 million cheap bags from being used annually.

Critics have expressed concern that customers might simply put their shopping in disposable paper bags, which are still sold in stores.

We really want to minimize single-use something container, but it’s still worth doing, Ms. Brooking said.

She continued,” So stores are selling reusable produce luggage, and we want people to be bringing their own carriers.”

Washable nylon engagement bags are now being sold by the national supermarket chain Countdown, which has more than 185 locations.

The business hopes that by doing this, customers may be inspired to utilize reusable bags for fruits and vegetables.

The head of sustainability at Countdown, Catherine Langabeer, said,” We know change is hard and( it) will take them a little while.” ” We have some disgruntled clients.”

The government of New Zealand has made strides in various efforts to combat climate change.

It suggested taxing the greenhouse gases that farm species like sheep and cattle produce in October.