One US state has completely prohibited the use of plastic shopping bags.

The popular question of "paper or plastic" will soon become a thing of the past in California, as Governor Gavin Newsom has recently signed a law that outlaws all plastic shopping bags in grocery store checkout lines. This decision has been met with both support and opposition, as people have become accustomed to the convenience of plastic bags while also recognizing the harmful effects they have on the environment.

California had previously banned thin plastic bags in supermarkets and stores, but shoppers were still able to purchase thicker plastic bags that were marketed as being reusable and recyclable. However, studies have shown that these bags were not being reused or recycled, leading to an increase in plastic waste. In an effort to combat this issue, the new measure, which was approved by state legislators last month, will ban all plastic bags starting in 2026. This means that consumers who do not bring their own bags will now be offered paper bags as an alternative.

State Senator Catherine Blakespear, a supporter of the new law, pointed to a study that revealed the alarming amount of plastic bags that were being thrown away per person each year. The numbers had increased significantly from 2004 to 2021, indicating that the previous ban on thin plastic bags did not effectively reduce the overall use of plastic. Blakespear, a Democrat from Encinitas, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the planet is being overwhelmed by plastic waste.

The environmental nonprofit Oceana commended Newsom for taking this step towards protecting California's coastline, marine life, and communities from the harmful effects of single-use plastic bags. Christy Leavitt, Oceana's plastics campaign director, praised the new law for solidifying California's position as a leader in tackling the global plastic pollution crisis. This move is in line with other states that have already implemented some form of statewide plastic bag ban, and hundreds of cities across 28 states have also taken action to reduce plastic bag usage.

The statewide ban on plastic bags was first passed by the California Legislature in 2014 and was later supported by voters in a 2016 referendum. However, the California Public Interest Research Group (CALPIRG) believes that the new law finally aligns with the original intent of the ban. According to CALPIRG's director, Jenn Engstrom, plastic bags not only pollute the environment but also pose a threat to our health as they break down into microplastics that can contaminate our drinking water. With the governor's signature, California has taken a crucial step towards eliminating plastic bags from grocery checkout lanes once and for all.

Governor Newsom, who previously signed the nation's first plastic bag ban during his time as San Francisco's mayor in 2007, has once again shown his commitment to protecting the environment. In a world where news and information are constantly bombarding us, it can be overwhelming to stay updated with the latest developments. That's why we've launched our WhatsApp channel, where you can stay informed about breaking news, celebrity gossip, and sports updates without the hassle of comments, algorithms, or privacy concerns. Join us on WhatsApp and stay updated with the latest happenings.

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