The US West Coast has emerged as a trigger point for government action on environment and sustainability issues. Following a series of moves by California in recent history, Washington State chimed in with bans on disposables and plastic bags…
Disposable ‘serviceware’ and plastic bags together post one of the
most serious threats to the environment frm any source…
Washington calls itself The Evergreen State. And it took what some call drastic measures to keep it that way. It all started with a new 2021 law banning the use of ‘single use serviceware’ which starting in 2022. And it’s apparently had the desired effect without impacting the Foodservice sector too seriously…
Plastic bags also banned
Washington also imposed a ‘tax’ on plastic shopping bags. Starting this past January, the state’s ‘tax’ on shopping bags increased to $0.12 for plastic and $0.08 for paper bags.
There’s also an additional $0.04 tax on heavy-duty plastic bags over 4 mls in thickness. “Businesses that provide 4 mil thick plastic film bags must deposit the 4-cent penalty into the Washington State waste reduction, recycling and litter control account under Chapter 70A.200.140 RCW,” a new WDE statement advises. The update also noted that most Washintonians had quickly adapted to bringing their own reusable bags to the store – in spite of some initial resistance…
A WDE litter study estimated 18.7 million plastic carry-out bags were littered annually in the state before the ‘tax’.
My take
Other jurisdictions across North America have also placed restrictions or bans on the use of disposable plastics and plastic bags. Here in Canada, the federal government imposed a national ban on plastic disposables and plastic bags in 2023. Folks didn’t really seem to notice since they were already used to local and regional bans or taxes on plastic bags.
I remember how retailers and shoppers initially voiced annoyance and even anger at the plastic bag ban. But, like Washington residents, we adapted quickly to the new standard.
The problem is. I sometimes still forget to take reusable bags when I go out to shop. Even though they’re right there, hanging on the doorknob. As a result, I have to buy new ones at the store to pack my purchases for the trip home. So… As a result, Erin and I have collected at least enough re-usable bags to last us a lifetime since the initial city ban went into effect many years ago…
But the reusable bags are useful for myriad other applications around the house, from laundry toting to dog toy storage. And our go-to supermarket provides them at cost – just a buck a bag!
~ Maggie J.