U.S. Virgin Lands Put a Ban on Use of Plastic Bags

It is time to switch over to recyclable paper bags and save the environment. Almost all the countries across the globe are putting a ban on the use of plastic bags and advocating the use of paper bags. A similar ban has been imposed in U.S. Virgin lands when Governor Kenneth Mapp formally signed his proposal to reduce litter and protect marine life. According to Bill No. 31-0379, there will be restriction on the use of plastic shopping bags in the territory. Members of the 31st Legislature unanimously supported the governor’s proposal. It was one of three solid waste management reform bills sent down to senators by Mr. Mapp. The governor called the new law a victory on behalf of public health and the environment. It also states that the plastic bag regulations will take effect on January 1, 2017. However, penalties will not be assessed until April 1 to allow retailers time to make the transition.

As per the law, businesses and organizations must utilize reusable bags or recyclable paper bags with the goal of eliminating Plastic Carrier Bags at point of sale check-outs. Plastic bags still will be allowed where no acceptable substitute exists, such as for wrapping prepared foods or meats. Enactment of the plastic bag ban places the Virgin Islands in a leadership position in the region.

According to Senate President Neville James , once all three of the recycling bills have been passed , the territory will be well on its way to a cleaner and greener community. He further stated that these proposed practices have been implemented on a national level and have proven to be quite successful. We must adopt these measures if we truly want to preserve the beauty and purity of the Virgin Islands. These measures will result in a significant reduction in the amount of waste going into our landfills.