VANCOUVER—While Justin Trudeau’s plan to ban single-use plastics by 2021 seems bold, Canada is following Rwanda, Kenya and the European Union in making drastic moves to cut waste.On Monday, the prime minister announced a major push to reduce plastic pollution, which could involve bans on things like plastic cutlery, bags, straws, plates and stir sticks as well as a greater burden on companies to recycle their products.According to the United Nation, 127 countries and counting have enacted bans or restrictions on plastic bags and other single-use items, with some implementing strict punishments for breaking the law.Bans on plastic bagsA UN report last year referred to Rwanda as a “pioneer in banning single-use plastic bags” and “one of the cleanest nations on Earth.”In 2008, the Rwandan government banned the use, sale and production of plastic bags after commissioning a study that found the bags were clogging drainage systems and ultimately threatening water sources, agriculture and fish. The government imposed strict punishments, with fines and even jail time for those found in violation. Other nations have followed in Rwanda’s footsteps. In Kenya, where plastic carrier bags were banned in 2017, violators face one of the worst punishments worldwide: a fine of up to $38,000 US or four years of jail time. The move has spurred a market for cloth and reusable bags in the country.Read more: Editorial: Don’t wait for the government’s plastics ban to kick in 2021 Styrofoam take-out boxes and straws among expected targets of plastics banTrudeau’s single-use plastics ban could raise prices, industry warnsIn Bangladesh, those found in violation of a ban on all shopping bags made of polyethylene face a fine of up to $71 and a jail sentence of up to six months. However, recent studies have shown that a lack of implementation has not drastically reduced the usage of plastic bags.Vito Buonsante, plastics program mana ...
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