Environment Ministry says phased ban on plastic shopping bags starts Nov. 5

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq’s Environment Ministry said a phased ban on the use of plastic shopping bags will begin on Nov. 5. The ministry said the countdown has started for implementing the decision. Amir Ali al-Hassun, director general of the ministry’s Environment Information and Media Department, said environmentally friendly alternatives will be adopted under the policy to reduce plastic use in Iraq. The ministry said Nov. 5 was set as the start date for the phased ban.