Why Plastic Bag Bans Don't Bother Me

A fairly new initiative permeating through the nation and the globe, here's my take on it.

Starting in December 2018, Boston put plastic bag bans into effect. While this was passed in 2014, it seems to take some residents by surprise.

When I moved to campus in January, I was puzzled to hear people at my local Star Market shocked by the new lack of plastic bags. Some people were irritated and confused, while I was a little amused. It really isn't that big of a deal, I thought to myself.

Maybe it's because my family has been using reusable bags for a few years or because I've never given it much thought, but I'm happy to use paper bags or reusable ones. Growing up, being asked "paper or plastic?" at the grocery store, my parents always asked for paper. We used them for textbook covers or picking up leaves around the backyard. Pretty green of us, right?

In my last blog post, I mentioned the lifespan of a single-use plastic bag: 20 minutes. From the time you carry your groceries, clothes, whatever it may be, inside, chances are you'll get rid of it immediately after. I know some people save these bags, but what's the big deal about these bans?

Essentially, people don't like the change. Or the idea of paying $0.05 for a single-use paper bag in stores.

In Boston, the ban came in waves to local businesses: first, retailers 20,000 square feet or larger by December 14, 2018. Next, retailers 10,000 feet square feet by April 1 and all other businesses less than 10,000 square feet by July 1.

According to boston.gov, the ban is meant to "reduce litter, protect ocean environments and waterways from pollution, reduce greenhouse gasses, and reduce solid waste in the waste stream." Personally, I've loved seeing the city integrate these changes. Being part of a major city that's doing its part to go green is refreshing and exciting.

This ban hasn't affected me personally. Many paper bags still come with handles and bringing your own reusable bags along is actually fun. My family kind of collects them; bags come in a variety of sizes and prints. All of us always have extras in our cars and it comes in handy. I hope cities continue to follow Boston's example. Small steps like this would have a huge impact nationally and globally.