Officials enact strict new ban that will impact every shopper: ‘Will help dramatically’
California is approaching the start date of its comprehensive single-use plastic ban, aimed at greatly reducing the amount of plastic pollution in the state.
From January 1 Senate Bill 1053 It will go into full effect throughout California. The law, passed in 2024, bans most single-use plastic checkout bags in grocery stores. The law closes a loophole in previous legislation; This means retailers can no longer provide thicker, reusable plastic bags at checkout.
Instead, stores may soon only offer recycled paper bags, which could incur extra costs or require customers to bring their own reusable bags. With a cost of at least 10 cents per recycled paper bag, customers may face additional expenses on their already expensive grocery shopping.
One Press release Announcing the signing of SB 1053 into law, California Senator Catherine Blakespear explained that despite the cost increase, this measure not only addresses growing concerns about plastic waste but also simplifies the payment experience for shoppers.
“Instead of being asked ‘Do you want paper or plastic at checkout?’ consumers will simply be asked if they want a paper bag if they haven’t brought a reusable bag.” in question Blakespear, who co-authored the bill. “This simple approach is easy to follow and will help significantly reduce plastic bag pollution.”
Thicker plastic bags were not being reused or recycled enough to justify their existence, according to officials. In fact, most of these bags ended up in nearby landfills or polluted the environment.
Like noted More than 5 trillion plastic bags are used worldwide each year, according to the Center for Biological Diversity. Despite the staggering number of bags, less than 13% of them are properly recycled. Because most plastic products are not biodegradable, they can persist in the environment for hundreds of years before turning into microplastics.
These tiny plastic pieces have become common in our environment; It got into our soil, water and even our food. While more research is still needed to determine the full effects of microplastics, the potential risks of microplastics to human health are now a growing concern.
“We deserve a cleaner future for our communities, our children and our Earth.” in question Councilwoman Rebecca Bauer-Kahan. “It’s time for us to get rid of these plastic bags and move forward with a more pollution-free environment.”
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