I thought the US would be higher on the list. I know blame it on Trump.

https://infographic.statista.com/normal/chartoftheday_12211_the_countries_polluting_the_oceans_the_most_n.gif

There are many who take 2-3 plastic straws just to spike those who changed to paper.  Figuring they're taking the share of what others should have received.

It looks like the city council is likely to pass a ban on single use plastic: bags, utensils, styrofoam containers commonly used by lunch wagons and restaurants.
Mean while the big polluters keep on polluting. 

They can ban businesses from offering them, but they can't ban me from running out to Costco tomorrow and buying a few cases for myself.

I'll keep a box or two in the vehicle so I'm never without a sterile, functional drinking straw.

Drinking from straws is what separates us from the animals.   

They can ban businesses from offering them, but they can't ban me from running out to Costco tomorrow and buying a few cases for myself.

I'll keep a box or two in the vehicle so I'm never without a sterile, functional drinking straw.

Drinking from straws is what separates us from the animals.   

I will do the same. 

I buy my plastic (handled) shopping bags off Ebay. They were banned here on the Big Island years ago... haven't been arrested yet. Emphasis on "yet".

I buy my plastic (handled) shopping bags off Ebay. They were banned here on the Big Island years ago... haven't been arrested yet. Emphasis on "yet".

they will be serialized and need to be registered

they will be serialized and need to be registered

Minimum 14 day waiting period for the mental health check... and by then, by definition, anyone who fails to assent to the "global warming is an existential threat", and plastic bags are a cause... will be deemed de facto "mentally ill". I bet there's a bill written already just waiting for the right moment (picture of a sea turtle with a bag over it's head, etc.) to be introduced.

I buy my plastic (handled) shopping bags off Ebay. They were banned here on the Big Island years ago... haven't been arrested yet. Emphasis on "yet".

No one here does anything illegal.

I buy my plastic (handled) shopping bags off Ebay. They were banned here on the Big Island years ago... haven't been arrested yet. Emphasis on "yet".

No one here does anything illegal.

From the official county all-things-plastic-forbidden website:

Can I, as a shopper, be fined for using a plastic checkout bag?

No, this law is applicable only to businesses. Consumers are encouraged to shop with reusable
bags and are not subject to any penalties or enforcement from the County.

Thus, I joyfully give them a robust FU.

No one here does anything illegal.

You know those rolls of plastic bags at produce and meat departments used to keep the steaks, burger, chicken, bananas and tomatoes separated?

Those are exempted from the ban.

If any plastic bags were ever to be deemed "non-reusable", it would likely be those.

Geniuses are making our laws.

Exemptions from the ban:

The term “plastic checkout bag” does not include the following types of bags. 

The following types of bags are exempt from the ban and may continue in use.

A.  Bags used by customers inside a business to package loose items, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, ground coffee, grains, candies, or small hardware items;

B.  Bags used to contain or wrap frozen foods, meat or fish, flowers or potted plants, or other items to contain dampness;

C.  Bags used to protect or transport prepared foods, beverages, or bakery goods, including takeout bags used at restaurants, fast food restaurants, and lunch wagons, to transport prepared foods;

D.  Bags provided by pharmacists to contain prescription medications;

E.  Newspaper bags for home newspaper delivery;

F.  Door-hanger bags;

G.  Laundry, dry cleaning, or garment bags, including bags provided by hotels to guests to contain wet or dirty clothing;

H.  Bags sold in packages containing multiple bags intended for use as garbage, pet waste, or yard waste bags;

I.  Bags used to contain live animals, such as fish or insects sold in pet stores;

J.  Bags used to transport chemical pesticides, drain-cleaning chemicals, or other caustic chemicals sold at the retail level; provided that this exemption shall be limited to one bag per customer;

So, when they say "plastic bags", they don't really mean "all plastic bags."  Some plastics are more critical in our lives than others, it seems.  Gotta have them plastic laundry bags!!  Can't provide laundry service without them!


Then again, not all plastic bags are actually "plastic bags":

1.  “Compostable Plastic Bag” means a checkout bag that is provided to a customer for the purpose of transporting groceries or other retail goods, that meets the current ASTM D6400 Standard Specifications for compostability and that is labeled:
    a)  With the Biodegradable Product Institute (BPI) logo as meeting the ASTM standard for compostability; and 
    b)  With “Compostable” on both sides of the bag in either green color lettering that is at least one inch in height, or as otherwise specified; or within a green color band that is at least one inch in height in order to be readily and easily identifiable.
Effective January 1, 2020, compostable plastic bags shall no longer be provided.

2.  “Recyclable Paper Bag” means a paper bag that:
    (1) is one hundred percent recyclable,
    (2) contains a minimum of forty percent post-consumer recycled content, and
    (3) displays the words “Reusable” and “Recyclable” in a highly visible manner on the outside of the bag.

3.  “Reusable Bag” means a bag with handles that is specifically designed and manufactured for multiple reuse and is made of:
    (1) cloth or other washable fabric; or
    (2) durable material suitable for reuse, including plastic that is at least 2.25 mils thick.
Effective January 1, 2020, plastic film bags made out of thin flexible sheets of plastic with a thickness of 10 mils or less shall no longer be considered “Reusable Bags.”

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact the City’s Recycling Branch at 768-3200 or visit opala.org.

I guess the plastic straws will be replaced with paper straws or maybe the plastic lids will be replaced with non plastic sippy cup lids as used by toddlers. 

I guess the plastic straws will be replaced with paper straws or maybe the plastic lids will be replaced with non plastic sippy cup lids as used by toddlers.

Waiting for all cups, lids and straws to be banned.  Only canned and bottled sodas allowed (in recyclable containers, of course). 

Any dispensers would require use of a personally-provided, reusable, biodegradable, non-polluting, non-petroleum-based, and government approved drinking container.

The 50% tax paid as part of the personal container price tag will go toward protecting the environment so the elite can continue flying in private jets.

Waiting for all cups, lids and straws to be banned.  Only canned and bottled sodas allowed (in recyclable containers, of course). 

Any dispensers would require use of a personally-provided, reusable, biodegradable, non-polluting, non-petroleum-based, and government approved drinking container.

The 50% tax paid as part of the personal container price tag will go toward protecting the environment so the elite can continue flying in private jets.

Just suck em up from the tap.  No need any type of container.  Hot coffee will be a challenge.  Unless we ban that also since someone could get burnt by it.