New Zealand is falling behind the rest of the world in its policies regarding Single-use plastic shopping bags. Countries the likes of China, India, United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Denmark and many more have all made moves towards banning or taxing the usage of these bags. The effect that these bags have on the environment are devastating. Even if disposed of properly they can last up to a 1000 years in a landfill before fully decomposing. If the are not disposed of properly which many are not they can pollute our oceans and waterways and have severe impacts on our environment and our economy. The website for the NRDC State that "Seabirds, whales, sea turtles and other marine life are eating marine plastic pollution and dying from choking, intestinal blockage and starvation. Scientists are investigating the long-term impacts of toxic pollutants absorbed, transported, and consumed by fish and other marine life, including the potential effects on human health." This is an Important issue that effects us all. We should stand up for our clean green image and ban single-use plastic shopping bags in New Zealand stores!