Starting at the beginning of March the state of New York will be banning all plastic bag use. New York is the second state to make the executive decision to end plastic bag waste with California being the first. This idea was introduced about a year ago by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo of New York.  As it took time to put the ban in effect, it is with great news that progress was made.

The new rule will prevent stores from giving customers plastic bags at checkout. Due to the environmental damage that has impacted wildlife tremendously, it was decided that nondegradable bags need to be put to a halt. In due time the ban will also focus on other aspects including the packaging of food products, literally and for delivery/to-go.

Another part of the ban will include an “additional element allowing counties to opt in to a 5-cent fee on paper bags,” according to The New York Times. All of the profit made would go directly to the state of New York’s Environmental Protection Fund and reusable bags. This idea is one that makes the mission more impactful than expected, removing plastic bags and inserting funds.