single-use plastics
Popular
California's attempt to cut down on plastic bags has unintended consequences, spurring new legislative action
In the decade following California's celebrated first-in-the-nation single-use plastic bag ban, plastic bag waste jumped by nearly 50%. What went wrong?
In short:
- California's ban on single-use plastic bags led to an increase in heavier, so-called "reusable" bags, causing a surge in plastic waste.
- The new legislation aims to close the loophole that allowed these thicker bags, with a focus on truly reducing plastic use.
- Other states have learned from California's experience, adopting more stringent measures to avoid similar pitfalls.
Key quote:
"Californians want less plastic, not more."
— Sen. Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica)
Why this matters:
Revisiting California's ban on single-use plastic bags spotlights the complexities of crafting effective environmental legislation and the importance of adaptability in policy-making. Competing interests have made the U.S. a laggard in the broader effort to combat plastic pollution.
Keep reading...Show less
Can we please quit plastic toothbrushes?
Your toothbrush is part of the plastic crisis. It doesn’t have to be.
Environment: What will plastic ban mean for takeaway prices?
Food businesses say eco-friendly alternatives to plastic are more expensive and in short supply.
Single-use plastic ban comes into force in Wales
The Welsh Government said it will reduce the flow of plastic pollution into the environment.
The secret life of plastic
What happens to our trash once we’ve done our duty and tossed it into the right bin?
Some firms unaware of England's new single-use plastic ban
Plastic cutlery is banned in England from Sunday but plastic containers for takeaway meals are not.
Editorial: Single-use plastics manufacturing shouldn't be subsidized.
The possibility of toxic fumes and the certainty of more plastic pollution are among the reasons Lockport should not subsidize SRI CV, a plastics company, especially given New York's environmental agenda.
ORIGINAL REPORTING
MOST POPULAR
CLIMATE