The plastic bag ban has backfired in Washington, study finds

Washington’s plastic bag ban is making things worse. The state’s own study says we should drop it.

That’s right. Drop the ban. The new Washington State University (WSU) report is clear. Bring back thin plastic bags. Charge a small fee, but end the ban.

Why? We’re using more plastic by weight. Creating more emissions. Paying eight cents for bags that used to be free. Next year, 12 cents.

Those thicker, “reusable” plastic bags only beat the thin ones if you reuse them multiple times; most people don’t. Most people I know use them once. I use them maybe twice, if you count my Great Dane Juno’s contribution.

How many people do you see at the grocery store reusing the thick bags at checkout?

I know what you’re thinking. “But Charlie, I bring a cloth bag all the time.” Good for you, but