As bans on single-use plastic have been implemented all over the world, many grocery stores have turned away from plastic shopping bags. While this switch has had positive impacts on the environment, it has also come with a cost to the consumer.
From Plastic to Paper
Retailers had hoped that the switch away from plastic bags would encourage shoppers to bring their own reusable bags, reducing plastic waste. However, many stores also made the switch from plastic to paper, and are now charging a 10-cent fee on paper bags.
Paper waste Concern
While the move away from plastic is positive for the environment, paper use also has its impacts. Some communities hope that the use of any single-use bags (regardless of what they’re made of) can be eliminated altogether.
Customer Outcry
While some shoppers are happy to bring their own shopping bags in an effort to support the environment, some communities are receiving massive pushback, with customers complaining about the 10-cent charge to their shopping experience.
The Solution
California was one of the first states to start an initiative to move away from single-use plastics, but several other states have joined in as well. The hope is that customers will be so adverse to paying for a bag that it will become more habitual to bring a reusable bag from home.
