Plastic Straw Pollution (image source: Waterways Charity Thames 21)
“New state law in Baja California Sur banning use of plastic bags, straws and styrofoam. In the following 12 months stores, restaurants and food venders will be given time to use the plastic they have and then after that it will be prohibited. In the following 18 months venders for plastic containers (plastic bags, straws, and styrofoam cups, plates, bowls) will be given to change for organic and compostable options now available in BCS and in general in Mexico. Basically, the government gives a certain time to vendors and clients to adjust to a now widely known fact: plastic kills our wildlife, pollute the marine and terrestrial wildlife we eat and over fills our limited land. The complete press bulletin in Spanish is attached. The attached pictures are from the young folks who made it possible in La Paz at the State Congress – the law was passed unanimously. In 34 years of living in BCS, I never thought I would see the day. I am so happy to see this time come! Every time that as a consumer you showed up with your own canvas bags, or your own container, or said “no straw please” – it made a measure difference. Thank you for helping us get here. Desplasticate = take plastic out of your life – is the state coalition of business that achieved this law.”
– Thanks to Cecilia Fisher for posting this on Facebook.
La parte sustantiva de la ley es:
“El Congreso del Estado aprobó por unanimidad una reforma a la Ley de Equilibrio Ecológico y Protección al Ambiente del Estado de Baja California Sur, mismo que establece la eliminación del uso de bolsas plásticas, contenedores de unicel (poliestireno expandido) y popotes plásticos.
Cabe mencionar que a partir de que la Ley entre en vigor se dará un lapso de 12 meses a supermercados, tiendas de autoservicio y conveniencia, mercados y restaurantes, para utilizar el producto con el que ya cuentan e ir desplazándolo por otras opciones. Mientras que los distribuidores de menudeo y mayoreo de dichos productos contarán con 18 meses”
Baja Dreaming 
I saw this today on Facebook and was delighted! I live just outside a small town in southeastern Arizona. The town banned plastic bags and there was an absurd backlash by people who claimed it infringed on their “personal right” to use plastic.
Eventually the (stupid) state got involved and made a new law saying no town could create a law that did something like ban plastic bags as long as they were allowed int the state. The town had to back off a re-allow plastic.
The ringleader of the “personal right” campaign has since left town. She never once helped us clean up plastic bags from roadways, trees, and cacti. She just did her damage and eventually fled (after defaulting on her house – and taking out and selling all appliances and plumbing fixtures.)
I am so pleased with BCS and am so disgusted by Arizona!
!Bravo!
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