How to Ban Plastic Bags

Plastic bags are wasteful, costly and largely unnecessary. Many problems result from the use of plastic bags. They sit in landfills and contaminate bodies of water, forests and parks across the country. Not only that, but they take a lot of energy to make and manufacture. Most primary uses for plastic bags can be replaced by other types of containers, such as paper bags and reusable canvas bags. Whether you're a consumer or a business owner, you can be part of the solution and ban plastic bags.

Instructions

• 1

  Always bring your own bags to the store with you. This is an essential step consumers need to take to eliminate plastic bags from their homes. You can purchase reusable canvas bags from most grocery stores and department stores.

• 2

  If you're a retail business owner, offer reusable canvas bags to your customers. Make sure these bags are affordable, usually around a few dollars, and offer incentives to customers who use them, such as a percentage off their purchases.

• 3

  Ban plastic bags from your store if you're a business owner. Simply stop ordering plastic bags. Instead, offer paper bags at the cash registers, as well as reusable canvas bags that customers can purchase.

• 4

  Write to your congressperson, whether you're a consumer or a business owner, and ask that plastic bags be banned in your state. Find contact information for your congressperson on your state's website.