The ban on single-use plastic shopping bags begins on July 1.
The government says it is a step towards healthier oceans and giving nature a hand.
But the National Party claims a legal loophole makes a mockery of the move. National's environment spokesman Scott Simpson says retailers will still be allowed to sell heavier grade, more environmentally-harmful plastic shopping bags.
Green MP Eugenie Sage is Associate Minister for the Environment. She joins Corin Dann in the studio.
"[The ban] doesn't go far enough, but what is really great is it's started the conversation," she says.
"People are now talking about single-use plastics and how we can phase them out.
"Supermarkets like Countdown and Foodstuffs are now offering people the chance to take reusable containers to the deli counter instead of having plastic containers. People are now thinking about phasing out plastic straws."
