New York plastic bag ban met with fierce backlash

Ban aims to reduce waste and minimise environmental impact of single-use plastics

New Yorkers have expressed their anger at the plastics bag ban recently enforced in New York City, accusing the city of prioritising the enviornment over other issues such as crime.

The ban came into force on Sunday, and prohibits single-use plastic bags at any retailer that collects sales tax.

The New York State government website outlines how plastic bag usage affects New York communities and the environment.

“Plastic bags can be seen stuck in trees, as litter in our neighbourhoods, and floating in our waterways,” the website states.

“From the significant recycling and disposal issues they pose to the harm they can do to wildlife, the negative impacts of plastic bags are easily seen.”

However, local residents were far from impressed, hitting out at the ban.

“I think it’s ridiculous,” letter-carrier Scott Kimmel, 56, told to The New York Post while shopping at the Whitestone Target in College Point, Queens. “I understand about ‘conserve, take care of the environment,’ but c’mon!”

“I was totally shocked,” Target shopper Richie Alvarez, 49, told the newspaper. “This is what our world is coming to. Yeah, they charged me extra for the bag. That’s why I only took one. It would normally be two or three bags.”

Social media users were also unimpressed by the ban, many complaining that the replacement paper bags were ineffective at holding goods and groceries.

One user with the handle Tashi tweeted: “Plastic bag ban is such a fail here in NYC. These brown bags are TRASH. [sic] They don’t hold your groceries.

“I literally just had an entire bag fall apart, the lady shook her head and reached behind her register and gave me a plastic bag. She said this happened all morning to people.”

Many users accused city of prioritising the environmental initiative over other issues like crime.

Robert Barano tweeted: “NYC where plastic bags are a bigger threat then [sic] criminals.”

However, The city’s Twitter account celebrated the introduction of the ban, spelling out ‘buh bye’ in single-use plastic bags.

“Plastic bags are officially banned,” the post read. “Together, we can create a cleaner future for our city and planet.”

Some New Yorkers did speak out a in support of the ban alongside the city.

Steve Koller tweeted: “The #PlasticBagBan is an overdue and promising step. Now might be a good time to shift more focus towards composting, which can enrich our soils and reduce the amount of “climate poison” (i.e., methane) being emitted in our landfills.”

New Yorkers currently use 23 billion plastic bags each year, state officials say.

The new law does still allow shoppers to bring bags from home, buy a reusable bag at the store, or pay a five-cent fee for a paper bag.

Some bags are exempt from the law, such as bags used to carry prescription drugs, those that contain or wrap uncooked meat, fish, seafood, poultry and rubbish bags.

The New York State website is asking consumers to change their habits and invest in reusable bags.

Violators can expect fines of up to $500 although officials have said they will give stores time to adapt to the new rules.