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Hawaii Becomes The First State In The U.S. To Ban Plastic Bags

July 7, 2015

In the past couple of years, cities and towns across the nation have started to ban plastic bags. Less than one percent of plastic bags are recycled, and it costs more to recycle a plastic bag that create a new one.

Beginning Wednesday, Hawaii will become the first state in the nation to ban plastic bags.

Image: Flickr / Zainub Razvi

The ban contains several important exemptions. Bags for fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and take-out home deliveries will be allowed. Retailers caught violating the ban will face steep fines, anywhere from $100 to $1,000 dollars per day.

The island is encouraging businesses to offer alternative bags, including reusable totes, 100% recyclable paper bags, and compostable plastic bags.

Image: RICH PEDRONCELLI / AP

Over 100 billion plastic bags are handed out in the United States every year. Chicago just banned plastic bags, and California is considering a similar ban.

Credit: Good Magazine.