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California Plastic Bag Ban Spurs Use of Thicker Plastic Garbage Bags

Author:Suny Group

The study initiated by Rebecca Taylor, economist, University of Sydney on California plastic bag ban found that the prohibitive action by authorities has spurred the sales of less eco-friendly alternatives including thicker plastic garbage bags. The findings are based on the comparison of retail scanner data on purchase of garbage bags in cities before and after the implementation of the ban on plastic bags.

According to the study, the outright ban on plastic bags has not completely eliminated the need and use of plastic bags in general. The plastic shopping bags were widely reused to line garbage cans. However, after imposition of the ban, residents are left with no option other than purchasing garbage bags that are much more plastic-intensive.

The study revealed that the sales of 4-gallon sized small garbage bags spiked up by 120% post implementation of the ban. Also, the sales of medium and tall garbage bags have surged higher by 64% and 6% respectively. In summary, the garbage bags were responsible for erasing out a part of the gains from the bag ban. Although consumption of normal carry out bags dropped by 40 million pound, those of less environment-friendly garbage bags rose by 12 million pounds, the study said.

The study concludes that prohibition of plastic bags has got its own unintended consequences. The non-plastic replacements for traditional plastic grocery bags are far worse in terms of its impact on environment.