As of October 2023, the federal and state governments in the United States are gradually implementing plastic bans, with the following main measures:
At the federal level
1. Microbead ban:
Scope: The use of plastic microbeads in cosmetics and care products is prohibited.
Implementation time: In 2017, the "Pearl Free Waters Act" was passed.
2.National Park Plastic Ban:
Scope: Gradually prohibit the sale of disposable plastic products such as bottled water and plastic bags within national parks.
Implementation time: Some parks have already been implemented, and the plan is gradually expanding.
State Level
1. Single-Use Plastic Bag Bans:
Scope: Many states have banned single-use plastic bags or imposed fees on them.
Implementation:
California: Enacted in 2016, banning large retailers from providing single-use plastic bags.
New York: Implemented in 2020.
New Jersey: Implemented in 2022, covering plastic bags, paper bags, and polystyrene food containers.
Others: States like Connecticut, Delaware, and Maine have similar bans.
2.Single-Use Plastic Straw and Utensil Bans:
Scope: Some states and cities have banned single-use plastic straws and utensils.
Implementation:
California: Cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles have implemented bans.
Washington State: Implemented in 2021.
3.Polystyrene Food Container Bans:
Scope: Several states have banned polystyrene food containers.
Implementation:
Maryland: Implemented in 2020.
Vermont: Implemented in 2019.
Local Level
1. City-Level Bans:
Scope: Many cities have implemented stricter plastic bans than their states.
Implementation:
San Francisco: Banned plastic bags in 2007 and further banned single-use plastic straws and utensils in 2019.
Seattle: Banned single-use plastic straws and utensils in 2018.
2. Corporate Participation:
Scope: Many companies are voluntarily reducing plastic use.
Implementation:
Starbucks: Committed to phasing out single-use plastic straws.
McDonald's: Switched to paper straws in some markets.
Future Plans
1. Expanding Bans:
Scope: Plans to further restrict additional plastic items, such as plastic packaging and coffee cups.
Implementation: Under discussion in some states and cities.
2.Circular Economy:
Scope: Promoting plastic recycling and reuse to reduce plastic waste.
Implementation: Gradually being rolled out.
Recommendations
Stay Informed: Policies vary by state and city, so check local government websites for the latest updates.
Choose Eco-Friendly Alternatives: Opt for reusable shopping bags, metal straws, and other sustainable products.
For more detailed information, visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or state environmental department websites.
In order to better protect the environment, we can try to avoid or reduce the use of disposable plastic tableware in our daily lives, and use more environmentally friendly disposable meal boxes to reduce the damage to the environment and ecology.
The pulp tableware provided by Fujian Shenglin Packaging (pulp bowls, pulp trays, pulp meal boxes, pulp cups, pulp lids, pulp knives, forks, spoons, etc.) are all excellent substitute products. Pulp tableware can be completely degraded and biodegradable. Paper tableware (paper boxes, paper bowls, paper cups, paper bags, etc.) is also a good choice.
