As part of new legislation signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo, New York state in the United States has now banned plastic bags from grocery stores, bodegas and retail establishments.
The ban that went into effect on March 1 aims to combat the pollution caused by the 23 billion plastic bags that are used every year in New York state alone.
“Right this minute, plastic bags are hanging in trees, blowing down the streets, filling up our landfills and polluting our lakes, rivers and streams — all hurting our environment,” said Cuomo. “We took bold action to protect our environment and ban these environmental blights and with this campaign we’re going to make sure New Yorkers are ready and have all the facts.”
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio celebrated the ban by giving out free tote bags in Union Square Park. “We only have one chance to save our planet,” said de Blasio.
To help New Yorkers transition and continue daily life under the new plastic bag ban, the Department of Environmental Conservation launched an education campaign called BYOBagNY. The campaign advocates for people to use a reusable bag.
The ban will not apply for bagging raw meat, fish, produce, prescription drugs, takeaway and delivery food. Plastic bags for dry cleaning and garbage are still permitted.
For those who require a plastic bag alternative and don’t have a reusable bag, a paper bag that costs five cents will be made available.
New York is the third state in the US after California and Oregon to introduce a state-wide plastic bag ban. Maine and Vermont are set to follow suit this year with Connecticut and Delaware in 2021.
