zanzibar bans plastic bags

Zanzibar, more known for its idyllic beaches than its environmental progressiveness, has officially banned the import and production of plastic bags. Recognizing that discarded plastic bags damage marine environments as well as being eyesores, they've banned them in hopes of restoring the pristine island environment. It's a move both intended to enhance their natural environment as well as preserve their bustling tourism industry - the mainstay of Zanzibar's economy.

Such a move naturally comes with criticism, including skepticism on the ability to enforce the measure and whether the economy will be negatively affected by the ban. As an alternative, the government has suggested raffia bags. Rwanda is another country that has entirely banned the use of plastic bags.

If developing countries like these can take such progressive environmental measures, could they work in more advanced, richer countries like the US? Tell us what you think.

:via BBC

Comments

[Deb]

I think that this is a great idea. It saves the environment while reducing dependence on foreign oil. I think that a ban would not go over well in the US simply because, as a whole, we are lazy people. However, I think that supermarkets should encourage people to use reuseable bags with incentives (like a 5 cent credit for each bag).

[Nicole]

Plastic bags should be banned in all stores. I live in Canada and I work at a grocery store and it is extremely frustrating to have to bag peoples' groceries in plastic bags that most of them don't recycle. It kills me.

[Leah]

I think banning plastic bags would be great. I use canvas bags at the grocery store all the time. I've actually found that despite exclusively using canvas bags, I still get quite a build up of plastic bags in my house for some strange reason (maybe due to friends bringing stuff over?). I think the plastic bags must multiply.

[joecool]

Here is a poll, Should plastic grocery bags be banned? Here is the link: http://www.apopularitycontest.com/display_poll.php?ID=5705 Anyone can vote on it.

[Mitch]

A ban on plastic bags? Yes.

But why stop there? A ban on plastic bottles too? Look around - it's everywhere. I tried to buy mayo in a glass jar yesterday. No way. Recycle - reschmycle -- at some point, don't we have to stop the proliferation by stopping the proliferation?

I believe plastic is the current environmental 800 pound, toxic (PET) gorilla in the room. It needs to be added to oil dependency and inefficient housing/building as a root cause of environmental peril. Recycling is good but it is really just nibbling at the problem; stopping demand is better, tho some temporary discomfort may be involved (or perceived).

To paraphrase Wm NcDonough, it's not enough to slow from 90 mph to 70 mph *in the wrong direction*. You must go in the right direction, even if slowly.