The success and popularity of the plastic bag has caused more negative environmental impact than was ever anticipated. Though plastic bags occupy less than four percent of all landfill space, it can take anywhere from a hundred to a thousand years to decompose. In an effort to curb these damaging changes, various cities and countries from around the world have proposed solutions. The two most common fixes being either to ban plastic bags or charge a bag tax. As more new data and research reveals the outcome of these policy changes in several cities, it is critical to take note and use this information to think about the best ways to encourage the rest of the world to reduce their dependence and use of plastic bags. This study, set in the theoretical framework of sustainable development, examines several existing case studies of areas that have made an effort to create a sustainable environment through the use of alternative shopping bags and/or additional policies, including fees and taxes. It begins with an investigation into the negative impacts of plastic bag use then seeks to determine which government initiative has proven to be the most effective in changing consumer bag use. While the collected data does not decisively conclude in favor of either bag bans or bag fees and taxes, it is clear that these further actions have helped work towards a greener environment.
« Hide
