New Zealand Passes Ban<br />on Single-Use Plastic Bags The legislation, which was announced<br />in August 2018, came into force on July 1. The ban prevents companies from supplying<br />single-use shopping bags, while still allowing<br />reusable carriers to be provided. Shoppers are being encouraged to report<br />retailers that continue to offer plastic bags<br />and officials will perform random checks. Companies that violate the new<br />law can face up to $67,000 in fines. The ban is New Zealand's attempt to address<br />the growing concern of plastic pollution, which is estimated to injure or kill more<br />than 100,000 marine mammals a year. New Zealand’s Environment Minister, Eugenie Sage,<br />hopes the new ban will help start the country’s<br />must needed conversation on recycling. Eugenie Sage, via<br />Radio New Zealand
