COPENHAGEN, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- Lea Wermelin, Denmark's Social Democratic Minister for the Environment, has elaborated further on the government's plan to ban plastic bags in the country.
The minister submitted Wednesday the government's legislative proposal to parliament where it will be reviewed and discussed until Sept. 26.
The government was quick to move after Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen declared over the weekend that no matter what material they are made of, free distribution of carrier bags would soon end.
A ban is to be applied against free plastic bags such as those customers receive when shopping, including all types of thin plastic carrier bags with or without handles.
A total ban is also suggested on thin and lightweight plastic carrier bags, such as those used to carry a pizza home. These types of bags are typically not recycled.
"Denmark must take the lead in solving the major global climate and environmental problems. The government wants a new direction, we want to take responsibility, and we want the green transition. Plastic pollution and overconsumption are one of the major environmental culprits," said Wermelin in a statement on the government website.
The bill further proposes that in the future, payment will be required for all other types of carrier bags, including the thicker carrier bags, used in supermarkets and clothing stores. There will be a minimum price on these carrier bags so as not to make a significant difference in offers of free delivery.
A notable exception to the ban will be the thin plastic bags used to collect fruits and vegetables. These types of plastic bags will remain legal for reasons such as food hygiene.
"We need to correct bad habits, of our use-and-throw-away culture. We need to think about our consumption, even in our daily lives. The pace of the green transition is up, and this is an important first step towards a greener transition." said the minister.
