Maryland shut down plastic store bags a few years ago. We're doing just fine.

When I drove to another state that was still using the disposable plastic bags, I get a little nostalgia for the convenience factor, But it no longer seems like a hardship to either carrying my own bags or use paper, I do wish they would give me the option to spend an extra quarter a bag and not make them out of fuxking tissue paper though

In Norway we made the plastic bags really expensive (about half an Euro atm) and it's working wonders. I still have a stash of them, but they're for special emergencies. The stores sell actual trash bags that's much smaller and thinner, and thus more convenient (for me at least) so that problem is taken care of as well.

I keep 4 reusable fabric bags around as well, two for shopping, 1 for glass and 1 for recyclable bottles.

I find that I much prefer this system. And I still have the option to pay 5kr for a plastic bag at store if I have to.

5kr for a bag is juuust enough for me to get my reusable bag at home if I want to make spontaneous trip to the store on my way home.

New York City has also banned plastic bags since 2020. I was skeptical about the ban at first, because by measure of material weight, bags are but a small fraction of plastic waste. Thin film is just too efficient in terms of use-per-weight ratio. I also thought anyone who didn't want to use plastic bags already had the option to bring their own reusable bags with them.

My newfound appreciation for the ban is that not only does it divert the use of plastic material, but it forces a change in the public perception around plastic use itself. Sure, you could bring your own bags, but it felt awkward because no one else did. You felt like you were inconveniencing the cashiers and other shoppers by breaking the routine, as if you were asking for special treatment. But now it's perfectly normal! You want to carry that bag of potatoes in your arms without an external bag? Go right ahead. You want to run home carrying a jug of milk dripping condensation on the pavement? Doesn't make you look like a crazy person! All thanks to the ban. Single action by the government on behalf of the collective has achieved what collective action by many single individuals could not have.

Good on you Vermont, proud of you

And in Alabama, when the city of Birmingham banned plastic bags, the state turned around and made a law that banning plastic bags was not allowed 🤦‍♀️

I just wish more places put handles on the paper bags.

I don't mind a paper bag, but I hate having to, like, roll the top to carry it. Just give me some handles. Even a reinforced hole cut in the bag. Anything.

I'm starting to think Vermont is pretty awesome

Meanwhile our plastic bag tax has pretty much eliminated paper bags and raked in fortunes in profits on plastic bags.

I mean, yeah, that's how bans work.