There are a number of things that governments can do to stem the toxic tide — from running public awareness campaigns, to offering incentives for recycling, and introducing levies or even banning certain plastic products outright.
Dozens of national and local governments around the world have already adopted policies to reduce the use of disposable plastic. And the number continues to grow. Here are some tide-turning national governments and city authorities: (from Single-Use Plastics: A Roadmap for Sustainability and news outlets)
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Mexico City
A ban on plastic bags came into effect in Mexico City on 1 January 2020. The new law prohibits the commercialization of plastic bags in supermarkets and stores. Moving forward towards 2021, local authorities plan to gradually ban other single-use plastic items, including straws, glasses, cutlery and balloons. The move is part of a broader initiative to better cope with the 13,000 tonnes of garbage produced in one of the most populated cities in the western hemisphere every day. Instead of plastic bags, shoppers are using paper cones, called cucuruchos, straw baskets and reusable cloth bags.