Words by Tess Becker
Plastic is ever-present in the environment. From city streets to landfills, to the ocean, and even in our own blood, plastic pollution is one of the largest contributors to waste in the world, with much of it being the result of single-use plastics that wrap products like candy bars, and vegetables.
This is something that New Zealand is trying to address.
Do you know the thin plastic bags that sit in grocery store produce sections that are really annoying to open? New Zealand has recently announced a ban on them, which they estimate will reduce the use of 150 million bags a year.
This is a world first, in which the country takes steps to cut back on pollution.
The new ban will also extend to plastic straws and cutlery, as the nation’s government expands its campaign against single-use plastics, which began in 2019 when it banned plastic carrier bags.
“New Zealand produces too much waste, too much plastic waste,” said New Zealand’s associate environment minister Rachel Brooking.
Charity check-in
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
I Am A Girl NGO. They work to support girls across Barbados. Find out more and support them here.
American Forests. A conservation organization focused on preserving and protecting American forests. Support them here.
Cultural Survival. They are an indigenous-led nonprofit focused on empowering indigenous Americans and helping the planet. Find out more.
