California is banning single-use plastic grocery bags again after a previous ban allowed thicker plastic bags, leading to increased plastic waste in landfills.
Bill Chappell reports for NPR.
In short:
- California's 2014 ban allowed stores to sell thicker plastic bags, leading to an increase in plastic waste.
- The new law, effective in 2026, requires shoppers to use paper bags, reusable bags, or hand-carry items.
- By 2028, all paper bags sold must include at least 50% post-consumer recycled material.
Key quote:
“A plastic bag has an average lifespan of 12 minutes and then it is discarded, afflicting our environment with toxic microplastics.”
— Sen. Catherine Blakespear, co-author of the ban
Why this matters:
Plastic bags are difficult and costly to recycle, often ending up in landfills or oceans, where they release harmful microplastics. Moving to reusable bags can reduce plastic pollution and mitigate long-term environmental damage.
