This story was originally published byGrist.
Anew reportsays these laws have largely succeeded in their goal of reducing plastic bag use.
New bills could soon add Georgia and Massachusetts to that list.
Photo: Drew Angerer (Getty Images)
The case against plastic bags is simple.
Notoriously, bags can also become litter that pollutes the natural environment and kills wildlife.
Plus, microplasticsrelease greenhouse gasesthat contribute to climate change.
Others have argued that plastic bag bans arebad forbusinesses, or that they violateconsumers freedomto choose plastic.
Research shows that paper bagstake more energyandwaterto produce than plastic bags.
Paper has its own environmental impact.
The report also urged policymakers to ban plastic bags of any kind not just thin ones.
This article originally appeared inGristathttps://grist.org/solutions/plastic-bag-bans-have-already-prevented-billions-of-bags-from-being-used-report-finds/.
Grist is a nonprofit, independent media organization dedicated to telling stories of climate solutions and a just future.
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