New Zealand’s Proposed Plastic Bags Ban Drew Mixed Response

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The decision by the New Zealand government to phase out the use of single-use retail plastic bags has evoked mixed response. While many organizations and community groups have welcomed the decision, the opposition parties claimed that the new legislation is unlikely to create great difference as the measures introduced by the previous government has already led to notable reduction in plastic bag usage.

The announcement by the Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern hinted at the country’s plan to phase out the use of single-use plastic bags in an attempt to safeguard its environment. However, the details of the ban were not announced. The government will accept suggestions from the public until mid-September this year. It will decide on the effective date of phase-out and the measures to be introduced to make the transition smooth. The retailers in the country will be granted six months time to deplete their stock of bags.

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Meantime, two of the prominent supermarket chains in the country- Foodstuffs and Countdown and several other retailers including Liquorland and Gilmours have already committed to eliminate single-use plastic bags by end-2018. Further, the decision has also received overwhelming support from mayors across the country. Marty Hoffart, the chairman of Zero Waste Network, which represents community enterprises across New Zealand working towards zero waste welcomed the decision.

On the other hand, Simon Bridges, leader of the opposition in New Zealand noted that Kiwis have been able to achieve 75% reduction in plastic bag usage, thanks to measures introduced by the previous government. The new regulation may lead to higher costs, he warned.

According to rough estimates, New Zealand consumes nearly 750 million plastic shopping bags per year, translating to usage of nearly 154 bags per person per annum. These bags end up polluting marine and coastal environments and cause serious harm to marine life.