Starting this Saturday, New Zealand takes a significant step towards environmental sustainability by becoming the first nation worldwide to ban thin plastic produce bags commonly used in supermarkets. This move expands the country's ongoing campaign against single-use plastics, which began in 2019 with a ban on thicker plastic shopping bags. Now, plastic straws and cutlery are also included in the ban.

This latest initiative builds upon the success of the 2019 ban, which has already prevented over a billion plastic bags from entering circulation in New Zealand. The government anticipates this new ban will further reduce plastic bag usage by an estimated 150 million bags annually. Associate Environment Minister Rachel Brooking emphasized the nation's excessive waste production, particularly plastic waste, as the driving force behind these measures.

A shopper utilizes reusable polyester mesh bags at a Wellington, New Zealand supermarket on June 29, 2023. (AP Photo/Nick Perry)

Recognizing the potential for consumers to simply switch to disposable paper bags, the government investigated the overall environmental impact. The conclusion remained that the ban on thin plastic bags is beneficial, but the ultimate goal is to reduce all forms of single-use packaging. Brooking encouraged shoppers to bring their own reusable bags, noting that supermarkets are also offering reusable produce bags for sale.

While education is the primary focus, officials have the authority to penalize businesses that disregard the new regulations. Supermarket chain Countdown has proactively introduced reusable polyester mesh bags, tested for durability up to 5,000 uses. Catherine Langabeer, Countdown's head of sustainability, acknowledged the challenge of changing consumer habits and the initial resistance from some shoppers. However, she also highlighted the ingenuity of other customers who have found innovative ways to avoid plastic altogether.

Despite these efforts, the government's environmental policies have faced criticism, with some pointing to the stagnant levels of overall greenhouse gas emissions since the declaration of a climate emergency in 2020.