On Tuesday, September 30, Governor Edmund Brown passed a law that bans plastic shopping bags from being handed out for free in stores in California. This officially makes California the first U. S. state to ban plastic bags. Environmentalists are pleased with this new law while critics believe that it is misguided and might have an adverse effect on American jobs. The law will not go into effect until July 1, 2015 for grocery stores and pharmacies, and July 1, 2016 for convenience and liquor stores. Instead of plastic bags, stores will be required to hand out recycled paper bags or bags made of compostable material. These bags will cost at least 10 cents for consumers, but people who use the California food-assistance program won't have to pay for the bags.
This new law is a huge step forward in helping to save the environment. Millions of plastic bags end up in landfills every year, and they take decades to break down. By banning plastic bags, California will be able to prevent the future pollution of its beaches, parks, and even the ocean. This is a huge win for environmentalists who are constantly working to reduce pollution. This could, however, effect citizens in California in a negative way, for the new ban could be a threat to thousands of manufacturing jobs.
I think that this ban is a good idea. I believe that if doing something as simple as using recycled paper bags can help save the environment, then all states should make this a law. I understand that there may be some negative side-effects to go along with this new law such as the loss of jobs, but I also think that the positive impact that this will have on the environment definitely outweighs the adverse effects.
I'm interested in following this story to see how many other states follow suit! Although I love to reuse the plastic Walmart bags that are in abundance at my house, I understand that they are hard on the earth when thrown out, and I appreciate the efforts California is making to contribute to a greener planet.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Hanna. This is a great idea. Plastic bags cause irreparable damage to the environment and are too often left as litter. This is why it's important to recycle the plastic bags you already have, as Abbey said, and try to bring your own reusable bags to the grocery store.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Hanna- the positives of this definitely outway the negatives. I also think this is an ideal process for a more 'green' earth because it's not a huge feat, but it's not insignificant either; it's just enough to make a difference and get everyone involved without changing the way we live. I also think that although jobs will be lost in the plastic bag manufacturing industry, jobs will be made in the Eco-bag industry
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