Single use plastic bags is on the way out at California grocery stores

Large rolls of single use plastic bags, often used only once to store fruits and vegetables, or to pack meat – then thrown in the trash soon after – are being phased out in California.

Under a bill signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom late last week, California would become the first state in the nation to phase out single use plastic bags in supermarkets. These single use plastic bags must be replaced by January 1, 2025, with recycled paper bags or bags made of compostable plastic.
They fly around in landfills, get stuck on gears at recycling facilities. And they contaminate the compost. It’s a problematic product that we need to get rid of.
The replacement period for this type of bag has been extended to 2025, instead of 2023. The aim is to give manufacturers more time to develop compostable, or recyclable bags.
Prior to that, there was controversy by the California Grocery Store Association and its supporters As for the California grocery store association, their stance is this: Single use plastic bags play an important role in protecting consumers from possible contamination. These bags also provide an extra layer of protection when fragile items, like wine bottles, are placed in grocery bags along with other products. And for the supporters’ point of view: We’re not banning these bags. We just asked for a more sustainable bag. You’ll still have a place to put your fruits and veggies without any leaks.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-63096760

Visit our blog