We’re back with your weekly plastic news wrap!
It’s been an incredible week when it comes to plastic legislation and environmental news in California. Governor Newsom signed a law that is the first of its kind in the United States. It will require plastic drink bottle manufacturers to create bottles using more recycled material. Companies producing beverages sold in plastic bottles will be required to use:
- 15% recycled plastic by 2022
- 25% recycled plastic by 2025
- 50% recycled plastic by 2030
Newsom also issued an executive order that will place a ban on new gas-powered cars from being sold in California starting in 2035. This could help decrease California’s greenhouse gas emissions by 35%.
Across the country in New Jersey, the legislature passed the toughest plastic ban in the United States to date. Governor Murphy is expected to sign the bill, which means polystyrene foam food containers, single-use plates, cups, cutlery, plastic and even paper single-use bags would be banned.
New Zealand might also say goodbye to single-use plastic if Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern wins the election again this year. The plan would be to phase out items that are hard to recycle, such as straws, plastic cutlery, single-use coffee cups, and even apple stickers by 2025.
So, what if you don’t live Down Under or in New Jersey?
You can still say *spork no* to single-use cutlery with FinalSpork! ;)
That’s a wrap on this week’s plastic press. Check back next week for Episode #3!