California will ban plastic bags at grocery stores, leaving only paper

California lawmakers have passed a bill that bans plastic bags at checkout counters, allowing only paper bags to be offered by 2026.

Susanne Rust reports for The Los Angeles Times.

In short:

• California’s new law closes a loophole that allowed “reusable” plastic bags, which contributed to rising plastic waste.
• The legislation is backed by both environmental groups and the California Grocers’ Association, aiming to curb plastic pollution.
• The law takes effect in 2026, with increased recycled content requirements for paper bags by 2028.

Key quote:

“Instead of being asked do you want paper or plastic at checkout, consumers will simply be asked if they want a paper bag.”

— Catherine Blakespear, California State Senator

Why this matters:

Plastic waste has significant environmental impacts, polluting ecosystems and breaking down into harmful microplastics. Reducing plastic at the source can lessen these effects and promote sustainability.

Related EHN coverage:

• Pete Myers: Peering into the Plasticene, our future of plastic and plastic waste.
• The US falls behind most of the world in plastic pollution legislation
• Americans agree on something: Get single-use plastics out of our national parks