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STRAW WARS RIO DE JANEIRO BANS PLASTIC!
The global war against plastic is in full rage and it looks as though Brazil is finally stepping up to the frontlines in the battle against plastic pollution, a menace that has spiralled wildly out of control in most urban areas and feeds multiple plastic soups in our oceans. Plastics have entered our food chain, affecting health of marine species and humans alike in an unfathomable scale, and tarnish paradise beaches and other iconic landscapes across the globe and so too in Brazil.
In what is hoped to cause a ripple effect, the city of Rio de Janeiro has now approved laws that ban the use of straws and petroleum-based plastic bags from commercial establishments, including the tourism sector. From July 2018, small businesses have 18 months whilst larger businesses have 12 months to implement the ban and replace plastics with biodegradable plastics, made from sugarcane. Rio de Janeiro now joins a (select) list of major cities that have reached a similar political milestone in eliminating the use of straws and other non-degradable plastics. There is more good news on the horizon as São Paulo and Florianopolis, two other major Brazilian cities, consider taking similar steps to combat plastic pollution.
