plastic bags end up in the ocean
Oman has announced it will ban the use of single-use plastic shopping bags from January, according to Business Wire.
The decision was announced by Oman’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs and will apply to the entire Sultanate. Local news sources quoted the ministry as saying: “Companies and establishments are prohibited from using single-use plastic bags, with the aim to protect the Omani environment.”
Following the implementation, any violation will invite a fine of up to OMR 2,000 (US$5,195). Repeat offenders will be penalised at double this amount. In 2019, Oman-based daily newspaper The National reported that Omani shoppers used a million plastic bags every day, citing figures from the Environment Society of Oman.
The government decision is specifically aimed to protect marine life, as a significant part of single-use plastics eventually reach the beaches and oceans. Numerous countries have ramped up efforts to restrict or ban the use of disposable plastic bags. Abu Dhabi emirate has also announced plans to ban single-use plastic bags by next year.
Abu Dhabi emirate has also announced plans to ban single-use plastic bags by next year.