The war on plastic rages on: Bali government bans single-use plastics

Countries throughout the globe are joining the fight to end plastic waste, and Bali is one of the latest to ban the use of single-use plastic items to reduce ocean pollution.

The law’s six-month transition period ended in June 2019 and on July 2 of the same year, the law prohibiting plastic bags, straws and Styrofoam came into effect.

The Indonesian government’s goals for the policy may seem ambitious, but they want to target at least a 70 percent decrease in Bali’s plastic marine waste in a year.

In an interview with the Jakarta Post, Wayan Koster, the 10th governor of Bali, explained that the policy targets producers, distributors, suppliers and business actors. The policy will also help encourage individuals to limit or avoid single-use plastics.

Koster added that plastic producers must find plastic substitutes that are more eco-friendly, adding that those who refuse to comply with the ban will face consequences.

For example, the Indonesian government could refuse to extend the business permit of plastic distributors or suppliers. The policy is part of an important global movement to ban single-use plastic and successfully reduce plastic waste.

Back in March 2019, New York lawmakers voted to prohibit retailers from wrapping customer purchases in single-use plastic bags. The legislation will take effect by March 1, 2020.

The Plastic Pollution Coalition warned that in the U.S. alone, at least 30 million tons of plastic is thrown away annually. Sadly, only eight percent of plastic waste in America is recycled. (Related: Want to stop using plastic? Here are 9 ways to start.)

Tips to reduce plastic waste

You can do your own part to reduce plastic waste and prevent it from polluting the world’s oceans. Follow the tips below to help make the world a greener and cleaner place.

Always bring a reusable shopping bag

Single-use plastic bags are flimsy, yet they’re often used in countless stores around the globe.

Reduce waste by bringing your own tote bag whenever you shop. Bring bigger carryall bags and get reusable produce bags instead of asking for single-use plastic bags.

Use greener alternatives for food storage

Stop using plastic food bags and plastic wrap. Replace plastic sandwich bags with a lunch box which you can use every day if you bring your own lunch to work.

Don’t store food in plastic zipper bags that you’ll eventually throw away. Store leftovers in glass jars or glass containers instead.

Don’t buy bottled water

While plastic bottles are a must in a survival stockpile, you can reduce plastic waste by using a refillable water bottle instead of buying bottled water every day.

Bring a thermos or reusable tumbler to your favorite coffee shop

Disposable coffee cups only look like they’re made of paper. Most of the time, they’re lined with polyethylene, a type of plastic resin.

These materials can be recycled, but not all areas have the infrastructure necessary to do so. Coffee shops also offer lids and stirrers that produce waste, which you can easily avoid by using a thermos or your own mug.

Switch to reusable straws

Don’t ask for a plastic straw if you’re at a bar or restaurant. If you really need a straw, buy a reusable set of straws instead and bring it with you wherever you go.

Replace disposable diapers with reusable cloth diapers

Babies will need tons of disposable diapers, which means you’ll also be producing a lot of plastic waste until your child is old enough not to need them. Do your part for Mother Earth and use reusable cloth diapers. They take some getting used to, but this is one way to reduce your plastic waste.

Avoid single-use plastics and make simple changes to reduce the plastic waste that you produce to help save the environment.

Sources include:

NYPost.com

TreeHugger.com .