It’s official: Italians are more eco-friendly than Seattle-ites, at least when it comes to petroleum:
A ban on plastic bags is coming into effect in Italy, which has one of the highest rates of consumption of the bags in Europe.
The ban begins in shops across Italy on 1 January, with only biodegradable, cloth or paper bags to be offered.
Italians use 20 billion plastic bags a year – more than 300 per person.
Supporters of the ban say plastic bags are an environmental hazard which use too much oil to produce and can take decades to break down.
The law for a gradual ban on plastic bags was introduced in 2006.
more via BBC News – Italy to begin ban on plastic bags in shops.
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