Something this extreme is not going to fly in Missouri:

Picnickers in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh could soon have a shock if they carry their lunch in a polythene bag.

The new law is the most stringent in India

Under a new law, anyone found even using a polythene bag could face up to seven years behind bars or a fine of up to 100,000 rupees ($2,000).

Politicians in the picturesque Himalayan state, a popular tourist destination, say polythene pollution is a major problem.

…….

The new law bans the production, storage, use, sale and distribution of polythene bags.

Perhaps the law in that part of India isn’t exteme. It only mandates a seven year sentence. In South Africa, using thin plastic bags could get you a ten year sentence.

Picture it: “But officer, the grapes kept falling between my fingers. I had to carry them in something.”

“Hmpf! You should have thought about whether saving a few grapes was worth ten years in jail.”

Next weekend, I’ll describe a much less drastic solution, but one that’s beyond anything yet tried in this country.