Mexican City’s Plastic Bag Ban a Start, But Won’t Solve Problem

A plastic bag ban that takes effect April 1 in the northern Mexican city of Queretaro is getting a thumbs up from environmentalists, but some question whether it actually does much to help the environment.

The city joins other jurisdictions in Mexico trying to address the staggering amount of plastic discarded daily, with much of it ending up in the ocean. But starting April 1, local stores will be prohibited from providing disposable bags to customers. To enforce the ban, the Queretaro government plans to fine noncompliant businesses and could refuse to renew their licenses.

Mexicans use approximately 650 ...