Preamble:
Plastics have been known to cause many issues globally. We want to preserve the unique natural beauty, water, natural resources and its inhabitants of many countries by reducing the impact of single-use plastic items such as bags and straws, keep plastic producers responsible, and limit the amount of plastic we export. We also want to promote the use of reusable bags. The production and use of single-use plastics have significant impacts on the environment, including, but not limited to, contributing to pollution of the natural environment; creating a burden to solid waste collection and recycling facilities; clogging storm drainage systems; contributing to the potential death of aquatic and land animals through ingestion and entanglement; and requiring the use of millions of barrels of crude oil nationally for their manufacture.
Article I contents:
“Checkout bag” – a carryout bag provided by a retail store to a customer at the point of sale. Checkout bags shall not include bags, whether plastic or not, in which loose produce or products are placed by the consumer to deliver such items to the point of sale or checkout area of the store.
“Retail Store” – any business facility that sells goods directly to the consumer whether for- or not-for-profit, including, but not limited to, retail stores, full- and quick-service restaurants, pharmacies, convenience stores, grocery stores, liquor stores, seasonal and temporary businesses.
“Reusable checkout bag” – a bag with handles that is specifically designed and manufactured for multiple reuse and is either polyester, polypropylene, cotton or other durable material, or durable plastic that is at least 4.0 mils in thickness (0.004 inches)
“Thin-film single-use plastic bags” – bags, typically with handles, constructed of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or polypropylene (other than woven and non-woven polypropylene fabric), if said film is less than 4.0 mils in thickness (0.004 inches).
“Recyclable paper bag” – a paper bag that is 100% recyclable and contains at least 40% post- consumer recycled content, and displays the words “recyclable” and “made from 40% post- consumer recycled content” in a visible manner on the outside of the bag.
“ Hardship” – special or specified circumstances that partially or fully exempt an organization, such as a retail store, from performance of a legal obligation so as to avoid an unreasonable or disproportionate financial burden.
“Thin-film single-use plastic straws” – a single-use, disposable tube made of mostly plastic made from either petroleum or a polymer, such as corn or other plant sources, that can be used to transfer a beverage from a container to the drinker itself.
“Single-use plastic bottles” –a single-use, disposable bottle made of mostly plastic made from either petroleum or a polymer, such as corn or other plant sources, that holds an amount of water and can be used for drinking by a human.
“Single-use plastic utensils” – single-use, disposable forks, spoons, and knives made of mostly plastic made from either petroleum or a polymer, such as corn or other plant sources, that can be used to transfer food to a person’s mouth.
Article II Contents:
There are 6 things we request:
Hereby, reduce the use of plastic products and replace them with reusables. We would like to see the World Assembly start phasing out plastic bags, straws, and bottles.
Hereby, keep plastic producers and polluters accountable.
Certain producers of products (e.g., paper, single-use products, or beverage containers) are hereby made responsible fiscally for collecting and managing and recycling or composting the products after a consumer uses their product.
Hereby increase the percentage of recycled content that must be contained in beverage containers
Hereby halt plastic producer’s permits until pollution is cut down
Hereby limit the amount of plastic waste that can be exported to other nations
(A) Thin-film single-use plastic bags under 3 mils (3.5 mils in 1 year to date this bill is enacted and 4 mils within 3 years of this bill is enacted) thick shall not be distributed, used, or sold for checkout or other purposes at any retail store.
(B) If a retail store decides to sell or give out checkout bags to customers, the bags must be: (1) recyclable paper bags or (2) reusable checkout bags. The retail store may charge for these bags.
(C) Thin-film plastic bags used to contain dry cleaning, newspapers, produce, meat, bulk foods, wet items, and other similar merchandise, typically without handles, are allowed under this bill.
(D) Thin-film single-use plastic straws, single-use plastic bottles and utensils must be charged at any restaurant or event.
Section 6. Effective Date
This will take effect immediately. During this time, stores may reach out to the World Assembly to gain exemption if it will cause hardship. A store will be able to go through its supply even after the date.