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Students for Responsible Bag Policy |
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There has been a trend both nationally and internationally toward legislation regarding single-use retail bags. In the United States, 31 states have taken some sort of legislative action on retail bags. These measures may include bans, user fees, or recycling programs. Though no state-level tax on retail bags has been enacted yet, the District of Columbia recently passed a 5-cent fee on single-use retail bags. Below is a map of state and local efforts to reduce disposable bag use.  The international community has also taken meaningful steps to diminishing disposable bag use. For example, the UN called for a ban on all plastic bags in light of their deleterious effects on communities all over the world. In addition, bans or taxes were adopted in Australia, Ireland, Italy, South Africa, Rwanda, and many other international communities. China banned free retail plastic bags and reduced consumption by 2/3 between 2008 and 2009. Ireland levied a Û0.15 tax in 2002, reducing use by 90% by 2006. Mumbai successfully banned thin plastic bags to prevent clogging drains during monsoons. In Tanzania, selling thin plastic bags even risksÊa penalty of six months in jail and a fine of US $1,170! |
| Students for Responsible Bag Policy | switchbags@gmail.com |