In recently passed legislation, Chile has mandated that no retailers operating within its borders may hand out plastic bags for customers to carry their purchases home. The ban applies within six months for large retailers; smaller stores have a little more time to make the transition, but until then, they are allowed to dispense only two plastic bags per customer. The legislative efforts reflects Chile’s attempt to take the lead in international conservation and environmental efforts. With its 4000 miles of coastline, it considers water pollution a threat to its very identity and existence. Unlike many other nations, the move appears almost universally popular: It passed without opposition at the national level, and more than 80 municipalities had instituted similar rules well before the national-level rules came into effect.

Source: Pascale Bonnefoy, The New York Times, June 1, 2018.