Paper bag on the desk: New Zealand to launch new paper bag standard

NEW ZEALAND — The New Zealand government says it is considering a paper bag ban that would go into effect in July.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the move was designed to protect the countrys environment and reduce paper bag use.

“It’s time to act to reduce paper bags and the spread of infectious diseases,” Arderns office said in a statement.

New Zealand has more paper bags per capita than any other country in the world, and the country has been the target of numerous studies and environmental complaints.

The Government has promised to implement the ban as soon as possible.

More than 30 countries around the world already have paper bag bans in place, and a handful are also considering them.