Israel is taking steps every day towards the environmental bandwagon. Having spent years trying to minimize use of plastic, the government has agreed to a country-wide law which will go into effect on January 1, 2017. The law states that disposable bags in grocery stores will cost customers ten agurot each if needed.
The law aims to minimize the garbage and pollution caused by plastic, and to encourage customers to reuse their grocery bags. The law follows suit to many other Western countries that have successfully impacted their communities by reducing plastic and waste.
In preparation for this new law, The Ministry of Environmental Protection has budgeted thirty million shekels to supermarkets so that they may distribute reusable canvas bags to customers for two weeks during the shift in practices. Supermarkets will offer reusable bags one week before and one week after the new law takes effect. Bags will be given based on money spent. One hundred shekels will provide one bag, while three hundred shekels will provide three bags.
While many Israelis are already environmentally conscious, having this law passed will provide further incentive for those to utilize reusable bags and inspire conscious avoidance of plastic among the population.
