You might want to prepare yourself now to pay even more at checkout when you go to Walmart. That is, unless you start bringing your own bags. Starting on April 18th, single-use bags are no longer free in Washington. This follows retailers’ Beyond the Bag Consortium in 2020 and the 2021 Washington state law that banned single-use plastic bags (source)
Why the change on plastic bags?
According to the Washington State Department of Ecology, they say that plastic bags are a major contaminant in Washington’s recycling facilities, waterways, roadways, and environment. Washington's Plastic Bag Ban will reduce pollution by prohibiting single-use plastic carryout bags and charging a fee for acceptable bags in businesses.
A surprising problem that has already surfaced in other areas
Other states (and even countries like Canada) have implemented this change before Washington state and have already experienced some challenges that come with this change. For example, Walmart shopper Larry Grant states overwhelmed with the reusable bags. "Banning the plastic bags was a great move, but it wasn't thought through," Grant said.
Grant's weekly groceries for his family of four were delivered in eight reusable Walmart bags. Two of the bags each contained just one item. (source) That is just one example as home delivery is a major issue for Walmart.
For a non-woven polypropylene bag to environmentally friendly, (such as the blue Walmart ones) must be used 10 to 20 times. (source)
What do you think? Do you think this will be a problem when you go shopping?
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.
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