Plastic bags are used for containing and transporting goods such as foods, produce, powders, ice, magazines, chemicals and waste. But the bitter truth is they have great impact upon environment. Although, many states in the US have been thinking to ban these bags, California becomes the first state to ban plastic bags.
Last Tuesday, governor Jerry Brown signed a bill in which it was written that plastic bags can’t be used in California, even for carrying things purchased from grocery stores. Such decision has made California to be the very first state in the US to ban the use of plastic bags. However, the legislation is meant to cut down on waste throughout the state and to help protect its land from pollution.
Jerry Brown has said in a statement, “This bill is a step in the right direction. It reduces the torrent of plastic polluting our beaches, parks, and even the vast ocean itself.”
Plastic bag manufacturers are pretty unhappy about the ban. According to them, the legislation jeopardizes thousands of jobs. On the other hand, legislation co-author Alex Padilla has said that single-use bags kill thousands of marine animals each year. Plastic items in general are also estimated to account for 60 to 80 percent of marine debris.
The ban is estimated to cut California off from using over 13 billion single-use plastic bags each year. In fact, the law is a huge step, in particular, toward reducing ocean pollution. But some plastic bags will still be allowed, however, such as those used to wrap up an open food item or to protect hung up clothing. Stores will be able to sell paper bags to consumers for 10 cents a piece.
The National Resources Defense Council calls the legislation “a thrilling win” for ocean lovers. Apart from this, the Californian state will provide $2 million in loans to businesses that will begin moving away from manufacturing plastic bags.
At last but not the least, Governor Brown has said, “We’re the first to ban these bags and we won’t be the last.”
Source: Jerry Brown (Governor)
Thanks To: Alex Padilla (Senator)
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