KOROR (Palau Horizon) — Palau’s House of Delegates has passed legislation that would prohibit the use of plastic bags in retail stores due to the harm it may cause to the environment.
House Bill 6-128 introduced by Del. Joel Toribiong seeks to ban the use of plastic bags in retail stores because they are not biodegradable.
The bill states that instead of plastic bags, retail stores should be required to use paper bags because these pose less of a threat to the environment.
Plastic bags put marine animals in danger, the bill states.
Further, plastic bags discarded on land are unsightly and can trap water and provide a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other disease-carrying pests.
According to the bill, some businesses in Palau already provide paper bags. By eliminating the use of plastic bags “the people will enjoy a cleaner, healthier and safer environment.”
The people will also be encouraged to use traditional, locally made woven bags that can be reused many times, the bill states.
Under the bill, it would be unlawful for any person to distribute plastic bags to customers to carry items purchased at a retail store.
The bill would take effect two years after its enactment into law.
The proposed prohibition, moreover, will not apply to plastic bags used for trash or garbage; plastic bags designed for food storage or food preservation; or biodegradable plastic bags approved by the Environmental Quality Protection Board.
