Are you at risk of unexpected fees? This US state’s surprising new law could ban a grocery store staple
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If you’ve ever found yourself at the checkout line, arms full of groceries, only to realize you forgot your reusable bags at home—well, you’re not alone.
But if you live in this state, or plan to shop there soon, you might want to start keeping those canvas totes handy.
The Keystone State is considering a bold new law that could ban single-use plastic bags in grocery stores, and if you’re caught unprepared, you could end up paying extra at the register.
Plastic Bags: A Vanishing Convenience
For decades, plastic bags have been the unsung heroes of the grocery store—lightweight, waterproof, and (let’s be honest) perfect for lining the bathroom trash can.
But their convenience comes at a steep environmental cost. These bags can take hundreds of years to decompose, clogging up landfills, polluting waterways, and harming wildlife along the way.
That’s why a growing number of states have decided enough is enough. California led the charge back in 2016, and since then, 11 other states—including New York, New Jersey, and Washington—have followed suit with bans or strict limits on single-use plastic bags.
Now, Pennsylvania is poised to become the 13th state to join the movement.
What’s in the Proposed Law?
The new legislation, championed by Senator Judith Schwank, would make it illegal for retailers to provide single-use plastic bags at checkout.
Instead, shoppers would have the option to purchase recyclable paper bags for a small fee—though there would be exceptions for certain items like produce, frozen foods, and prescription medications.
But it’s not just about banning bags. The bill also includes an “educational component,” overseen by the Department of Community and Economic Development, to help Pennsylvanians understand why these changes matter and how they can adapt.
And if you’re wondering where this idea came from, you might be surprised: it was inspired by students at Governor Mifflin High School in Shillington, who saw the impact of plastic waste in their own community and decided to take action.
Also read: Are you buying this popular Walmart grocery item? Shoppers shocked by bizarre new packaging!
Local Bans Already Making a Difference
Pennsylvania isn’t starting from scratch. In fact, there are already about 40 local plastic bag bans in place, mostly in and around Philadelphia.
These local efforts have made a real dent: since 2018, an estimated 950 million fewer plastic bags have been used in the state, with Philadelphia alone accounting for at least 200 million of those reductions.
Why the Fees?
You might be wondering: why charge a fee for paper bags? The answer is simple—behavioral science.
Studies show that even a small charge encourages shoppers to bring their own reusable bags, which is the ultimate goal. The fee isn’t meant to punish, but to nudge us all toward more sustainable habits.
Also read: You won’t believe the new “inconvenient” step grocery customers face as soon as they enter
And if you’re worried about the cost, remember: exceptions will be made for essential items, and you can always avoid the fee by bringing your own bags from home.
Retailers Taking the Lead
It’s not just lawmakers who are making changes. Some major retailers are getting ahead of the curve. ALDI, for example, became the first major grocery chain in the US to eliminate plastic bags entirely as of January 2024.
Source: Down To Earth / Youtube.
The company now charges a small fee (about 12 cents) for paper bags, and encourages customers to bring their own. ALDI's CEO, Jason Hart, says the move is about both protecting the environment and saving customers money in the long run.
Other states, like Michigan, are also considering similar bans, signaling a nationwide shift in how we shop—and how we think about waste.
Related story: What’s touching your food? A recent lawsuit raises concerns about microplastics
Have you already made the switch to reusable bags? Do you have tips for remembering to bring them, or creative ways to repurpose old plastic bags? Maybe you have concerns about how these bans will affect seniors or people with disabilities. Share your experiences, questions, and ideas in the comments below!
But if you live in this state, or plan to shop there soon, you might want to start keeping those canvas totes handy.
The Keystone State is considering a bold new law that could ban single-use plastic bags in grocery stores, and if you’re caught unprepared, you could end up paying extra at the register.
Plastic Bags: A Vanishing Convenience
For decades, plastic bags have been the unsung heroes of the grocery store—lightweight, waterproof, and (let’s be honest) perfect for lining the bathroom trash can.
But their convenience comes at a steep environmental cost. These bags can take hundreds of years to decompose, clogging up landfills, polluting waterways, and harming wildlife along the way.
That’s why a growing number of states have decided enough is enough. California led the charge back in 2016, and since then, 11 other states—including New York, New Jersey, and Washington—have followed suit with bans or strict limits on single-use plastic bags.
Now, Pennsylvania is poised to become the 13th state to join the movement.
Pennsylvania may become the 13th US state to ban single-use plastic bags in grocery stores, with proposed legislation aiming to prohibit retailers from providing them at checkouts. Image source: Roberta Errani / Unsplash.
What’s in the Proposed Law?
The new legislation, championed by Senator Judith Schwank, would make it illegal for retailers to provide single-use plastic bags at checkout.
Instead, shoppers would have the option to purchase recyclable paper bags for a small fee—though there would be exceptions for certain items like produce, frozen foods, and prescription medications.
But it’s not just about banning bags. The bill also includes an “educational component,” overseen by the Department of Community and Economic Development, to help Pennsylvanians understand why these changes matter and how they can adapt.
And if you’re wondering where this idea came from, you might be surprised: it was inspired by students at Governor Mifflin High School in Shillington, who saw the impact of plastic waste in their own community and decided to take action.
Also read: Are you buying this popular Walmart grocery item? Shoppers shocked by bizarre new packaging!
Local Bans Already Making a Difference
Pennsylvania isn’t starting from scratch. In fact, there are already about 40 local plastic bag bans in place, mostly in and around Philadelphia.
These local efforts have made a real dent: since 2018, an estimated 950 million fewer plastic bags have been used in the state, with Philadelphia alone accounting for at least 200 million of those reductions.
Why the Fees?
You might be wondering: why charge a fee for paper bags? The answer is simple—behavioral science.
Studies show that even a small charge encourages shoppers to bring their own reusable bags, which is the ultimate goal. The fee isn’t meant to punish, but to nudge us all toward more sustainable habits.
Also read: You won’t believe the new “inconvenient” step grocery customers face as soon as they enter
And if you’re worried about the cost, remember: exceptions will be made for essential items, and you can always avoid the fee by bringing your own bags from home.
Retailers Taking the Lead
It’s not just lawmakers who are making changes. Some major retailers are getting ahead of the curve. ALDI, for example, became the first major grocery chain in the US to eliminate plastic bags entirely as of January 2024.
Source: Down To Earth / Youtube.
The company now charges a small fee (about 12 cents) for paper bags, and encourages customers to bring their own. ALDI's CEO, Jason Hart, says the move is about both protecting the environment and saving customers money in the long run.
Other states, like Michigan, are also considering similar bans, signaling a nationwide shift in how we shop—and how we think about waste.
Related story: What’s touching your food? A recent lawsuit raises concerns about microplastics
Have you already made the switch to reusable bags? Do you have tips for remembering to bring them, or creative ways to repurpose old plastic bags? Maybe you have concerns about how these bans will affect seniors or people with disabilities. Share your experiences, questions, and ideas in the comments below!
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