New Zealand has set a groundbreaking precedent by becoming the first country in the world to extend its ban on plastic bags in supermarkets to include thin bags typically used for holding fruits and vegetables. This move, which came into effect on Saturday, marks a significant stride in the government's broader campaign against single-use plastics.

<h2>New Zealand and plastic ban</h2>

In 2019, the nation put in place its initial ban on take-home plastic bags. Since then, most shoppers in New Zealand have already adapted to bringing their own bags when visiting stores.&nbsp;

Rachel Brooking the Associate Environment Minister said that: "New Zealand produces too much waste, too much plastic waste."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-orkney-islands-want-to-join-norway-over-financial-neglect-611446">UK's Orkney Islands want to join Norway over financial neglect</a>

She further revealed that the ban on thicker bags introduced in 2019 has already saved over one billion plastic bags from circulation.

This cultural shift, as per the BBC, has contributed to the remarkable progress the country has made in reducing plastic waste. The expansion of the ban is projected to prevent the use of approximately 150 million plastic bags per year.&nbsp;

<h2>Expert concerns</h2>

Some critics have expressed concerns that consumers might resort to disposable paper bags, which are still available in supermarkets.&nbsp;

However, acknowledging these concerns, Minister Brooking emphasised the overarching goal of reducing single-use packaging of any kind.&nbsp;

"It's still worth doing this, but we really want to reduce single-use anything packaging."

"So we want people to be bringing their own bags, and supermarkets are selling reusable produce bags," she added.

The government encourages individuals to bring their own bags, while supermarkets have responded by offering reusable produce bags as an alternative.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anticipation-and-dread-heres-what-we-know-about-the-final-moments-of-passengers-aboard-titan-submersible-611439">Anticipation and dread: Here's what we know about the final moments of passengers aboard Titan submersible</a>

Countdown, a prominent supermarket chain operating over 185 stores nationwide, has taken proactive steps by introducing reusable polyester mesh bags for shoppers to use specifically for fruits and vegetables.&nbsp;

The company hopes that by providing these bags, it will inspire customers to make the switch to reusable options.&nbsp;

Catherine Langabeer, the head of sustainability at Countdown, acknowledged the challenges associated with change, and said, "We know change is hard and (it) will take them a little while."&nbsp;

"We get some grumpy customers," she added.

<h2>New Zealand government's commitment to addressing climate change</h2>

The New Zealand government has shown its commitment to addressing climate change through various initiatives. In October, it proposed a pioneering scheme to tax greenhouse gas emissions from farm animals such as sheep and cattle. This progressive approach aims to hold farmers accountable for their agricultural emissions in some form by 2025 — the country's farming industry is responsible for about half of its emissions.

(With inputs from agencies)

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New Zealand has set a groundbreaking precedent by becoming the first country in the world to extend its ban on plastic bags in supermarkets to include thin bags typically used for holding fruits and vegetables.

New Zealand has set a groundbreaking precedent by becoming the first country in the world to extend its ban on plastic bags in supermarkets to include thin bags typically used for holding fruits and vegetables. This move, which came into effect on Saturday, marks a significant stride in the government's broader campaign against single-use plastics. New Zealand and plastic ban In 2019, the nation put in place its initial ban on take-home plastic bags. Since then, most shoppers in New Zealand have already adapted to bringing their own bags when visiting stores. Rachel Brooking the Associate Environment Minister said that: "New Zealand produces too much waste, too much plastic waste." Also read | UK's Orkney Islands want to join Norway over financial neglect She further revealed that the ban on thicker bags introduced in 2019 has already saved over one billion plastic bags from circulation. This cultural shift, as per the BBC, has contributed to the remarkable progress the country has made in reducing plastic waste. The expansion of the ban is projected to prevent the use of approximately 150 million plastic bags per year. Expert concerns Some critics have expressed concerns that consumers might resort to disposable paper bags, which are still available in supermarkets. However, acknowledging these concerns, Minister Brooking emphasised the overarching goal of reducing single-use packaging of any kind. "It's still worth doing this, but we really want to reduce single-use anything packaging." "So we want people to be bringing their own bags, and supermarkets are selling reusable produce bags," she added. The government encourages individuals to bring their own bags, while supermarkets have responded by offering reusable produce bags as an alternative. Also read | Anticipation and dread: Here's what we know about the final moments of passengers aboard Titan submersible Countdown, a prominent supermarket chain operating over 185 stores nationwide, has taken proactive steps by introducing reusable polyester mesh bags for shoppers to use specifically for fruits and vegetables. The company hopes that by providing these bags, it will inspire customers to make the switch to reusable options. Catherine Langabeer, the head of sustainability at Countdown, acknowledged the challenges associated with change, and said, "We know change is hard and (it) will take them a little while." "We get some grumpy customers," she added. New Zealand government's commitment to addressing climate change The New Zealand government has shown its commitment to addressing climate change through various initiatives. In October, it proposed a pioneering scheme to tax greenhouse gas emissions from farm animals such as sheep and cattle. This progressive approach aims to hold farmers accountable for their agricultural emissions in some form by 2025 — the country's farming industry is responsible for about half of its emissions. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

New Zealand takes lead in plastic bag ban, expands restrictions to thin bags

The UK is set to ban all single-use plastic in a bid to reduce the pollution being spread by these cutlery items. Watch this video to know more.

WION Climate Tracker: UK government eyes ban on single-use plastic permanently soon

The use of single-use plastic bags has been banned in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates from June, as per an announcement made by the government-run media office on Wednesday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

It is the latest move of the oil-rich country to achieve its ambitious carbon reduction goals, an AP report said. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/after-blood-presence-of-microplastics-unearthed-in-human-lungs-by-scientists-468917" hreflang="en">After blood, presence of microplastics unearthed in human lungs by scientists</a>

The statement, however, did not specify how the upcoming ban would be enforced. It is unclear if the government will fine businesses, distribute other bags or charge people for their use. &nbsp;

The country also looks to get rid of single-use styrofoam cups, plates and food containers completely by 2024, the emirate has said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In the neighbouring emirate of Dubai, a similar announcement was made. It said that it would start applying a 25-fil (6 cent) charge over plastic bags in July. This seems to have been done with the aim of phasing out the disposable bags in two years.

Watch | Transforming food and forestry to curb global warming important: UN&nbsp;

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The UAE, which is a major oil producer, has declared it looks to attain carbon neutrality by 2050. This target, however, still remains difficult to assess.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The nation is also going to the host United Nations climate summit next year. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The use of single-use plastic bags has been banned in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates from June, as per an announcement made by the government-run media office on Wednesday.

The use of single-use plastic bags has been banned in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates from June, as per an announcement made by the government-run media office on Wednesday. It is the latest move of the oil-rich country to achieve its ambitious carbon reduction goals, an AP report said. Also Read: After blood, presence of microplastics unearthed in human lungs by scientists The statement, however, did not specify how the upcoming ban would be enforced. It is unclear if the government will fine businesses, distribute other bags or charge people for their use. The country also looks to get rid of single-use styrofoam cups, plates and food containers completely by 2024, the emirate has said. In the neighbouring emirate of Dubai, a similar announcement was made. It said that it would start applying a 25-fil (6 cent) charge over plastic bags in July. This seems to have been done with the aim of phasing out the disposable bags in two years. Watch | Transforming food and forestry to curb global warming important: UN × The UAE, which is a major oil producer, has declared it looks to attain carbon neutrality by 2050. This target, however, still remains difficult to assess. The nation is also going to the host United Nations climate summit next year. (With inputs from agencies)

Single-use plastic bags banned in UAE capital Abu Dhabi from June  

In a viral video from the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, wildlife conservationists are seen examining wild elephant dung to study the gentle giant’s diet and health.&nbsp;

In a rude shock to them, among the objects recovered from the dung are masks, plastic bags, biscuit wrappers, milk packets, and even what seem to be sanitary napkins and hairbands.&nbsp;

The duo seen in the video are heard saying that nearly 300 grammes of plastic waste, including large plastic bags, were found in the dung.

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"Do we have to wait till elephants die en masse, to act against littering in forest areas ?" laments activist in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/coimbatore?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#coimbatore</a> as milk covers, plastic bags, masks, biscuit wraps etc found in wild elephant dung near Marudhamalai hilltop temple<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/forest?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#forest</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/wildlife?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#wildlife</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> <a href="https://t.co/vJGKXYoVNq">pic.twitter.com/vJGKXYoVNq</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1480783589138567169?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2022</a></blockquote>
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WION spoke to T Muruganandam, the Founder and President of the Coimbatore Wildlife Conservation Trust, who is seen speaking in the video.&nbsp;

According to him, their team often checks wild elephant dung at various destinations in and around Coimbatore district.&nbsp;

Their team suspects that a nearby garbage dumpyard that was setup in the vicinity of the Marudhamalai foothills, at a place known as Somaiyampalayam Panchayat.

Tragically, this dump yard is situated in an area that elephants pass through in order to reach the Marudhamalai forest area. The dump yard is said to have come up nearly two years ago, and it has become a regular feeding area for them. By repeatedly feeding on the garbage dump, the elephants get used to it. We’ve observed up to five elephants (2 adults, 2 calfs, and 1 subadult) in a group that lives in this region, "Muruganandam added. He expressed worry over the possibility of young elephants also consuming plastics, because they wouldn’t be as resilient as adults and it could choke their systems and lead to death.

After the video was widely circulated, officials are understood to have issued orders to have the garbage dump fenced in to keep elephants away.&nbsp;

However, the activists feel that a permanent solution needs to be found to remove the garbage dump in its entirety, so as to prevent further damage to wildlife.&nbsp;

Muruganandam also highlights the importance of strictly banning the sale and use of plastics in the Marudhamalai temple premises and vicinity, while also ensuring strict fines against those littering and disposing of liquor bottles and plastic waste in forest areas.

In a viral video from the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, wildlife conservationists are seen examining wild elephant dung to study the gentle giant’s diet and health.

In a viral video from the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, wildlife conservationists are seen examining wild elephant dung to study the gentle giant’s diet and health. In a rude shock to them, among the objects recovered from the dung are masks, plastic bags, biscuit wrappers, milk packets, and even what seem to be sanitary napkins and hairbands. The duo seen in the video are heard saying that nearly 300 grammes of plastic waste, including large plastic bags, were found in the dung. "Do we have to wait till elephants die en masse, to act against littering in forest areas ?" laments activist in #coimbatore as milk covers, plastic bags, masks, biscuit wraps etc found in wild elephant dung near Marudhamalai hilltop temple#India #forest #wildlife #TamilNadu pic.twitter.com/vJGKXYoVNq — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) January 11, 2022 × WION spoke to T Muruganandam, the Founder and President of the Coimbatore Wildlife Conservation Trust, who is seen speaking in the video. According to him, their team often checks wild elephant dung at various destinations in and around Coimbatore district. Their team suspects that a nearby garbage dumpyard that was setup in the vicinity of the Marudhamalai foothills, at a place known as Somaiyampalayam Panchayat. Tragically, this dump yard is situated in an area that elephants pass through in order to reach the Marudhamalai forest area. The dump yard is said to have come up nearly two years ago, and it has become a regular feeding area for them. By repeatedly feeding on the garbage dump, the elephants get used to it. We’ve observed up to five elephants (2 adults, 2 calfs, and 1 subadult) in a group that lives in this region, "Muruganandam added. He expressed worry over the possibility of young elephants also consuming plastics, because they wouldn’t be as resilient as adults and it could choke their systems and lead to death. After the video was widely circulated, officials are understood to have issued orders to have the garbage dump fenced in to keep elephants away. However, the activists feel that a permanent solution needs to be found to remove the garbage dump in its entirety, so as to prevent further damage to wildlife. Muruganandam also highlights the importance of strictly banning the sale and use of plastics in the Marudhamalai temple premises and vicinity, while also ensuring strict fines against those littering and disposing of liquor bottles and plastic waste in forest areas.

Plastic bags and sanitary pads in Indian elephant dung worry wildlife enthusiasts

Ambrose D’Mello is 52-year-old and has been on a silent protest since 2005. He is protesting against the sale of packaged drinking water. He carries a slate with him to communicate by writing on it using a small piece of a damp cloth. Watch this video to know more about D’Mello's fight.

This 52-year-old man is on a 'Silent Protest' to make 'Big Noise'

A wild deer was found dead after swallowing 7 kilograms (15 pounds) of plastic bags and other trash in Thailand, an official said Tuesday, raising the alarm on waste littering the country's waters and forests.

The Southeast Asian country is one of the world's largest consumers of plastic, with Thais using up to 3,000 single-use plastic bags each per year, whether for wrapping street food, takeaway coffee or packing groceries.

Marine animals like turtles and dugongs have died in its waste-choked waters, and autopsies have found that plastic in the stomach lining contributed to their deaths.

Now the scourge of plastic waste is affecting Thailand's animals on land.

Officials said a 10-year-old deer was found dead in a national park in Nan province, around 630 kilometres (390 miles) north of capital Bangkok.

An autopsy discovered "plastic bags in the stomach, which is one of the causes of his death", said Kriangsak Thanompun, director of the protected region in the Khun Sathan National Park.

The bags contained coffee grounds, instant noodle packaging, garbage bags, towels and also underwear, according to photos provided by the national park.

The discovery of the deer comes months after a sick baby dugong won hearts in Thailand as she fought for recovery, only to pass away from an infection exacerbated by plastic bits lining her stomach.

The demise of Mariam in August was widely mourned on social media, reviving public debate on Thailand's urgent need to tackle its plastic addiction.

The loss of the wild deer is "another tragedy", Kriangsak said.

"It shows we have to take seriously and reduce single-use plastic," he said, calling for "nature-friendly products" to be used instead. 
 
Several major retailers, including the operator of the ubiquitous 7-Eleven convenience stores, have pledged to stop handing out single-use plastic bags by January next year.

A wild deer was found dead after swallowing 7 kilograms (15 pounds) of plastic bags and other trash in Thailand, an official said Tuesday, raising the alarm on waste littering the country's waters and forests.

A wild deer was found dead after swallowing 7 kilograms (15 pounds) of plastic bags and other trash in Thailand, an official said Tuesday, raising the alarm on waste littering the country's waters and forests. The Southeast Asian country is one of the world's largest consumers of plastic, with Thais using up to 3,000 single-use plastic bags each per year, whether for wrapping street food, takeaway coffee or packing groceries. Marine animals like turtles and dugongs have died in its waste-choked waters, and autopsies have found that plastic in the stomach lining contributed to their deaths. Now the scourge of plastic waste is affecting Thailand's animals on land. Officials said a 10-year-old deer was found dead in a national park in Nan province, around 630 kilometres (390 miles) north of capital Bangkok. An autopsy discovered "plastic bags in the stomach, which is one of the causes of his death", said Kriangsak Thanompun, director of the protected region in the Khun Sathan National Park. The bags contained coffee grounds, instant noodle packaging, garbage bags, towels and also underwear, according to photos provided by the national park. The discovery of the deer comes months after a sick baby dugong won hearts in Thailand as she fought for recovery, only to pass away from an infection exacerbated by plastic bits lining her stomach. The demise of Mariam in August was widely mourned on social media, reviving public debate on Thailand's urgent need to tackle its plastic addiction. The loss of the wild deer is "another tragedy", Kriangsak said. "It shows we have to take seriously and reduce single-use plastic," he said, calling for "nature-friendly products" to be used instead. Several major retailers, including the operator of the ubiquitous 7-Eleven convenience stores, have pledged to stop handing out single-use plastic bags by January next year.

Dead deer found in Thailand with 7kg of plastic in stomach

Traders, shopkeepers, and others in India have started looking for an alternative to plastic amid the anticipation of a blanket ban on single-use plastic across the country.

Traders, shopkeepers look for alternative as India begins war on plastic

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

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This International Plastic Bag Free Day, a look at how waste plastic is turned into colourful tiles. #PlasticFreeDay #PlasticTiles #BeatPlasticPollution

Novel solution to fighting plastic pollution

One of the world's favourite holiday destinations Bali makes a clean-up move.&nbsp;

Bali proposed a tax of up to 10 dollars on visitors to remove tourism-generated trash.

The Bali authorities are working on a bylaw which will make tourists accountable for environmental and cultural preservation.

The revenue collected from the 10 dollar tax will be used to fund programmes for preservation. The levy is still under discussion.

The authorities are deliberating on how the tax should be collected, whether it should be included in the airfare, or if it should be collected at separate airport counters.

But, the policy is expected to be imposed only on foreign tourists.

This plan comes at a time when the province is fighting against the growing volume of plastic waste on its beaches.

Bali is particularly popular among Chinese and Australian holidaymakers -- it welcomed up to six million visitors in 2018.

An environment agency recorded that the island produced 38-hundred tonnes of waste every day -- out of this, only 60 per cent ends up in the landfill.

This is not Bali's first step towards environmental conservation. Free plastic bags in supermarkets and grocery stores have been banned in Bali's capital since the beginning of this year.

Other parts of Indonesia are also struggling with the problem of excessive plastic waste. The Pisang Batu river in west java is one of the country's most polluted rivers. Hundreds of tonnes of rubbish collect there every monsoon.

One of the world's favourite holiday destinations Bali makes a clean-up move. Bali proposed a tax of up to 10 dollars on visitors to remove tourism-generated trash.

One of the world's favourite holiday destinations Bali makes a clean-up move. Bali proposed a tax of up to 10 dollars on visitors to remove tourism-generated trash. The Bali authorities are working on a bylaw which will make tourists accountable for environmental and cultural preservation. The revenue collected from the 10 dollar tax will be used to fund programmes for preservation. The levy is still under discussion. The authorities are deliberating on how the tax should be collected, whether it should be included in the airfare, or if it should be collected at separate airport counters. But, the policy is expected to be imposed only on foreign tourists. This plan comes at a time when the province is fighting against the growing volume of plastic waste on its beaches. Bali is particularly popular among Chinese and Australian holidaymakers -- it welcomed up to six million visitors in 2018. An environment agency recorded that the island produced 38-hundred tonnes of waste every day -- out of this, only 60 per cent ends up in the landfill. This is not Bali's first step towards environmental conservation. Free plastic bags in supermarkets and grocery stores have been banned in Bali's capital since the beginning of this year. Other parts of Indonesia are also struggling with the problem of excessive plastic waste. The Pisang Batu river in west java is one of the country's most polluted rivers. Hundreds of tonnes of rubbish collect there every monsoon.

Bali thinking of taxing all foreign tourists

Maharashtra state government has imposed a complete ban on plastic across the state becoming the 18th state of the country to impose such ban.

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Effective from today, the ban has been put on storage, manufacture, use, &nbsp;distribution, wholesale and retail sale import and transportation of all kinds of plastic bags.

Use of thermocol and disposable cutlery&nbsp;including straws,&nbsp;pouches to store food items and liquid items are also banned.

The government has given one month to traders, manufacturers and consumers to dispose of the banned plastic items.

Local administrations of the state have also been asked to start a collection point to accept the banned item from consumers only while manufacturers and traders will have to look for recycling facilities.

The proposal of the ban was cleared by Maharashtra cabinet on March 15.

In&nbsp;case&nbsp;of violation, the manufactures and users will have to pay fine of 5,000 rupees.

Plastic products that have been exempted from the ban are milk pouches, wrappers for processed food, dustbin liners, medicines packs, solid waste and agricultural products and PET bottles.

However, the PET bottles and milk pouches will be sold on an additional price of 1-2 rupees which will be refunded to the consumer after the return the retailer for recycling.&nbsp;

Dairies have also been instructed to make an attempt to sell milk in glass bottles.

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Effective from today, the ban has been put on storage, manufacture, use, distribution, wholesale and retail sale import and transportation of all kinds of plastic bags

Maharashtra state government has imposed a complete ban on plastic across the state becoming the 18th state of the country to impose such ban. × Effective from today, the ban has been put on storage, manufacture, use, distribution, wholesale and retail sale import and transportation of all kinds of plastic bags. Use of thermocol and disposable cutlery including straws, pouches to store food items and liquid items are also banned. The government has given one month to traders, manufacturers and consumers to dispose of the banned plastic items. Local administrations of the state have also been asked to start a collection point to accept the banned item from consumers only while manufacturers and traders will have to look for recycling facilities. The proposal of the ban was cleared by Maharashtra cabinet on March 15. In case of violation, the manufactures and users will have to pay fine of 5,000 rupees. Plastic products that have been exempted from the ban are milk pouches, wrappers for processed food, dustbin liners, medicines packs, solid waste and agricultural products and PET bottles. However, the PET bottles and milk pouches will be sold on an additional price of 1-2 rupees which will be refunded to the consumer after the return the retailer for recycling. Dairies have also been instructed to make an attempt to sell milk in glass bottles.

Maharashtra becomes 18th state to ban plastic, effective from Saturday

plastic-bags

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