The city of Austin has made a bold and bio-friendly move by implementing a law that aims to restrict the usage of “use-once-and-discard” plastic bags. Not withstanding the good intentions with which the above law was framed, questions remain as to whether the law enjoys the patronage of the legal protocols of the nation. Following a Congress man's request, the Attorney General Greg Abbot's official entourage may present a formal opinion with regard to the validity of the new law.

Waiting for Abbott for the Plastic Bag Ban

The plastic bag ban was implemented in 2013 and the city's waste management agency, the RRD has been quick to state that the ban has had a positive effect on the waste management scenario in the city. The department has cited the law as an important cause of the reduction in the littering of parking areas and the city's water streams. Additionally, instances of waste plastic bags finding their way into waste treatment and processing plants have greatly reduced, claims the RRD. Aiden Cohen, a prominent official from the department said that waste plastic bags formed the bulk of the city's garbage and had caused a grave danger to the fauna of the area along with compounding problems in times of flooding. Cohen enthusiastically said that there had been a reduction of thirty percent in the volume of waste plastic bags reaching the city's treatment plants since the law was enacted.

A research scientist associated with the WaterShed Protection Program in Austin was quoted saying that there has been a radical decrease in the volume of waste plastic bags ending up in the waterways of the city. Abbott is currently a frontrunner for the post of Governor. However, the general opinion being expressed by people is that a formal opinion by him on the law will pave the way for the implementation of other such laws in the future. It is therefore of essence that the Abbott presents his opinion in this regard.

Wholesale Reusable Bags Can Help Make a Difference

Although the environmental dangers posed by plastic bags are evident, certain citizens and groups have voiced dissidence against the practicality of the plastic ban. The argument put for by opponents of the law is that the production of bio-degradable containers made of reinforced paper causes nearly seventy percent more emissions than otherwise. The only available alternative to the erstwhile plastic bag is most certainly a reusable bag which is produced with minimal emissions. Enter the wholesale reusable bags phenomenon. These bags, made of either mesh or cloth will allow cities to maintain cleaner environs. The usage of cloth bags will most certainly aid the ailing bio-system of the Earth and provide a fresh lease of life to the flora and fauna of the planet.

Source: http://www.dailytexanonline.com/opinion/2014/03/18/abbott-should-defend-texas-plastic-bag-bans