A new plastic ban is in effect in Pune, Maharashtra, located in western India. I visited in July, shortly after the new ban went into effect. I noted that my to-go orders came with paper bags, instead of plastic bags and utensils. Even my favorite gift shops in the Thulshi Bawg section of Pune offered paper boxes for my purchases. Some shops are still distributing the banned items, but that may soon change. There is a steep fine of $5,000 rupees (roughly $88 USD) for the first offense and $10,000 rupees (approximately $166 USD) for a second offense. For a third offense, there is a whopping jump to 25,000 rupees (approximately $360 USD) and a potential 3 month jail term.
Not Everyone is Happy with Plastic Bans
Banning plastic can be a tricky affair, as officials in the Indian state of Karnataka discovered. The government of Karnataka banned single-use items back in 2016. Today, September 1, 2018, workers in the plastic industry marched in protest of the ban, which they claim has resulted in the loss of more than 100,000 jobs. Workers were also protesting the expansion of the ban that originally covered carry bags, but now covers containers used to carry commodities as well. Some supporters of scrapping the ban have suggested that the government should focus less on a ban and more on use that does not harm the environment.
Other Countries Ban Plastic
Worldwide the number of cities banning plastic items has been rising slowly, but steadily. Especially because more people are aware of the effect on wildlife and large accumulations in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Kenya implemented a ban in 2017, along with steep fines and jail time for violators. Chile has taken a slightly different approach by imposing a ban on use in coastal cities, the first American country to take this step. The approach taken by Chile has affected many of its largest cities and vacation spots. The next few years will likely see more bans in cities and countries as they grapple with with how to clean up accumulating trash.
Texas Plastic Ban Canceled
Recently, the City of Austin, and other Texas cities, ended bans on plastic bags that were ruled by the Texas Supreme Court to conflict with state laws regulating waste. Bans may return to Texas cities if the Texas legislature intervenes to pass laws allowing cities to regulate them. The bans were supported by many environmental groups, citizens, and businesses that had largely adapted to them.
For information about plastic bans in other nations and cities click on the links below.
