This is  bold move on Panama’s part and a welcome one for our environment.

The Assembly has approved a law prohibiting the delivery of disposable and non-biodegradable plastic bags to end consumers in supermarkets and commercial establishments.

From a statement issued by the National Assembly of Panama:

The proposal is that establishments will proceed with the progressive replacement of prohibited bags, exchanging them for containers made of non-polluting materials or reusable plastic, within the following 12-month periods, from the enactment of this law, for supermarkets, pharmacies and retailers; and within 24 months for warehouses and wholesalers.

The objectives of the regulations are aimed at replacing the use of disposable plastic bags for reusable bags for carrying articles purchased in commercial establishments, and reducing the generation and disposal of solid waste, in order to improve the quality of the environment.