California has taken a significant step in reducing plastic waste by enacting a law that bans all plastic shopping bags in grocery stores, set to take effect in 2026. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the measure on Sunday, which eliminates not only thin plastic bags but also thicker bags marketed as reusable and recyclable. This legislation follows a previous ban on thin plastic bags that has not effectively decreased overall plastic usage in the state.
New Legislation to Take Effect in 2026
State Senator Catherine Blakespear, a supporter of the bill, emphasized that many consumers were not properly reusing or recycling plastic bags, leading to a rise in plastic waste. A state study revealed that per capita plastic bag waste increased from 8 pounds in 2004 to 11 pounds in 2021. “We are literally choking our planet with plastic waste,” Blakespear stated, highlighting the urgency of the issue.
Environmental Impact and Support
The environmental nonprofit Oceana commended Newsom for his commitment to safeguarding California’s coastline and marine life from the dangers posed by single-use plastics. Christy Leavitt, Oceana’s plastics campaign director, remarked that this new ban positions California as a leader in addressing the global plastic pollution crisis.
California is not alone in its efforts; twelve states and numerous cities across the nation have implemented some form of plastic bag bans. For more detailed information on plastic bag legislation, visit CNN’s full report.
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The California Public Interest Research Group celebrated the new law as a necessary update to the original bag ban, reinforcing the state’s commitment to environmental health. As plastic bags continue to pollute ecosystems and break down into harmful microplastics, this legislation marks a crucial step toward a more sustainable future.