In an article published on June 25, 2018, by the newspaper The Guardian, reporter Michael Safi informed that the Indian city of Mumbai has banned the use of plastic bags, cups, bottles and other single-use plastic items. Residents will face fines or jail time if they are caught using the prohibited items. Fines have already been imposed on some businesses, including McDonald’s and Starbucks, Safi reported.
Kamlash Mohan Chaudhary, a Mumbai resident, stated that “[f]or the pollution situation it’s fine to do this but for the people it is a big problem.” He explained that “people here carry everything in plastic bags.” Chaudhary therefore now carries a cloth bag and noted that his local mutton vendor started wrapping meat in newspaper instead of plastic sheets. Another problem is the strong rain that soaks through the jute or cloth bags people are now using as alternatives to plastic bags, Chaudhary described. Because of the fines reportedly imposed on residents, “[w]e are all very afraid,” he added.
Read more
Michael Safi (June 25, 2018). “Mumbai bans plastic bags and bottles.” The Guardian
Lorraine Chow (June 25, 2018). “Mumbai becomes largest city in India to ban single-use plastics.” EcoWatch
Vidhi Doshi (June 26, 2018). “Mumbai’s plastic ban carries costly fines and jail sentences for offenders.” The Washington Post
