New Zealand Becomes the First Country to Ban Thin Plastic Bags at Supermarkets

New Zealand has become the first country in the world to ban the use of thin plastic bags at supermarkets, which are used to collect fruits and vegetables.

The ban which took effect on Saturday is part of the New Zealand government’s campaign against single-use plastics which started in 2019. Then, the government banned the thicker plastic shopping bags that customers use to carry groceries home. Customers now bring their own reusable bags to shop.

The new ban will also reportedly extend to plastic straws and silverware. Officials estimate that this move will prevent the usage of 150 million plastic bags per year, consequently reducing the waste generated in the country.

According to Associate Environment Minister Rachel Brooking, “New Zealand produces too much waste, too much plastic waste.” Brooking said the since the ban took effect in 2019, more than 1 billion plastic bags have been prevented from being used in New Zealand.

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