Mexico City bans free plastic bags

[alp227]

Source: BBC News

A new law has come into effect in Mexico City giving the authorities the power to fine shops which give away free plastic bags to their customers.

In future, shops in the Mexican capital will have to charge for the bags, which must also be biodegradable.

As well as fines of up to $90,000 (£57,700), shop owners not complying can be given a 36-hour jail term.

A local official said the law was part of the city's "Green Plan" and aimed to raise awareness of the environment.

Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-11032252

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Good for Mexico City for helping the environment and its gay couples who wished to marry.

Meanwhile, American conservatives' hate for Mexico boils over more..."them illeguls wanna take away yer plastic baaags!"

[Warpy]

1. Mexico City has done some wonderful things

Tops are legalizing abortion and gay marriage within the city. They've also decriminalized small amounts of drugs, gotten enough clunkers off the road to improve air quality by about 40%, started to extend national health insurance to all pregnant women despite ability to pay (due to be implemented next year), and passed a compassionate care provision for tourists who get sick while in country.

They're WAY ahead of us in a lot of areas. They've still got a seriously lopsided economy and most people are fucked over every day of their lives, but they're making progress that I wish we could.

Besides, the food's great.

[Booster]

2. I do have a question about this, and please don't slam me.

I use plastic bags to gather up all the stuff that needs to be recycled. If you don't use them, what do you do instead? Do you throw each piece of paper into the recycle bin? Man, talk about getting your daily exercise.

[IrishEyes]

3. I don't know if this helps

I buy large clear bags that are the size of black garbage bags. I have three bags in my apartment. One for plastic, one for paper and one black one for garbage. When they fill up, I take them to my curb where the city picks it up. I rarely get a plastic bag from the store. I almost always have a canvas bag with me for shopping. I go for a big grocery shopping trip once a month. The grocery store delivers my groceries in boxes

[Booster]

4. Good idea. I have to totally rethink how I do my trash. I assume

all plastic bags are not recycleable (sp) but I could be wrong. Still I will use your idea and see how that works out. I do like the idea of banning plastic bags at grocery stores cause I think that's the only thing that's going to make me remember to take them into the store. Old habits are just so hard to break - but I'm going to do it. Thanks.

[otohara]

5. Way to Go MEXICO CITY

You rock!!!!

I hate plastic bags with a passion