[ryathal]

The problem is a lack of education more than anything. People simply believe that plastic = bad, despite the fact plastic bags should probably be about the last plastic thing banned. Plastic bags take a miniscule amount of energy to make and can be thrown away and captured in a landfill indefinitely after that. Now we get varying levels of "reusable" bags that cost more economically and environmentally and the break even point is basically non existent. "A few months" of forgetting bags means the average person likely consumed more energy in reusable bags that weren't re-used than years of plastic bags. Plastic bag bans are spending dollars to save pennies, most of these laws really just make people feel better rather than provide actual benefits.

Want to save the environment? lets focus on electrifying power tools and standardizing batteries so there is less gas used and e-waste. Let's encourage insulating old buildings. We should reward reduced packaging, more bulk purchase options. Doors should be required on coolers in grocery stores. Require greywater systems in new or renovated buildings. Mandate usage of native plant species for lawns/green areas. limit dilution of water based products.