California Legislators Pass Comprehensive Plastic Bag Ban

New laws aim to reduce plastic waste by eliminating all plastic shopping bags by 2026 and increasing recycled content in paper bags by 2028.

Previous ban on thin plastic bags led to increased waste from thicker, reusable bags.
New legislation includes Assembly Bill 2236 and Senate Bill 1053, both of which passed their initial chambers.
Businesses express concerns about potential negative impacts on low-income communities and inflation.
Plastic bags are a significant source of microplastics, contributing to various human health issues.
California's efforts are part of a broader push to address global plastic pollution, though local impact may be limited.