Illustration of plastic bags (CNN Indonesia / Hesti Rika)

Preventing Environmental Pollution, Disposable Plastics is Banned in New Zealand

New Zealand - According to the source, New Zealand government has implemented a new law regarding the use of plastic shopping bags. As an alternative, the rule allows the use of other materials as shopping bags with other materials that can be recycled and environment friendly.

The use of disposable plastic bag has banned by the New Zealand government starting on Monday (1/7). They stated that, they will also impose fines on business entities that still use and provide plastic bags with the reason of preventing environmental pollution in the country.

New Zealand government will impose a maximum sentence of up to NZ$ 100 thousand (around IDR 945 million) directly if anyone violates this new rule.

It is reported that, the law has actually been ratified since August 2018, but it was only implemented this month as it seems that it did not have much impact to the people. However, Kiwi State shopping centers have already banned the use of plastic bags independently from a long time ago.

New Zealand Environment Minister Eugenie Sage stated that, the people of New Zealand are very proud of the image of a clean and green country and will try to help ensure as they go through it and stopping the use of disposable plastics will definitely help to save the environment.

Plastic pollution has become a worldwide concern in recent years as about one million birds and more than 100,000 marine mammals are injured, or even die each year, due to the impact of plastic waste. Through the banned of plastic bags and also recycling, New Zealand hopes to help the world to preserve the environment and create a better life for the people and also animals in the planet.

Source: https://www.cnnindonesia.com/internasional/20190702061710-113-408131/selandia-baru-larang-penggunaan-plastik-sekali-pakai