California Bill Proposes Banning All Plastic Bags — Even Those Marketed As Reusable

California has already banned thin plastic bags. However, a new bill that has been announced in the state legislature would ban thicker plastic bags which have been marketed as reusable. Despite being designed to be used multiple times, research has shown that they are not being used in this manner. Indeed, California Senator Catherine Blakespear highlighted a study showing that the number of plastic shopping bags thrown away per person increased between 2004 and 2021. 

Source: FOX 11 Los Angeles/YouTube

California is one of twelve states that have implemented some form of plastic bag ban. The statewide ban was passed in 2014 and reaffirmed in 2016. Similarly, many cities and municipalities have also banned plastic bags. These bans hope to counteract rampant plastic pollution which threatens the environment.

It is estimated that 380 million tons of plastics are produced each year. Up to 50 percent of these plastics are single-use plastics. This type of plastic product is designed to be used once and then discarded. Plastics do not biodegrade, making them particularly hazardous once they are introduced to the environment. 

Instead of plastic bags, shoppers are urged to bring reusable tote bags. These bags are frequently made from biodegradable materials. These materials are more environmentally friendly than plastic. Paper bags are also provided as plastic alternatives in many places. 

Before California’s ban on thicker plastic bags is passed, it must be approved by the state Legislature. Then, state Governor Gavin Newsom will decide whether to sign the bill into law. Newsom previously signed the first plastic bag ban in the United States in 2007 when he was the governor of San Francisco. 

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• Petition: Call on the EPA to Enact a Single-Use Plastic Ban 

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