With new legislation aimed at limiting the use of single-use plastic bags throughout the state, Pennsylvania may soon join the growing number of states that have banned them.
Drawing on the mounting environmental and public health concerns expressed by residents, especially student advocates in her area, state senator Judith Schwank (D-Berks County) is spearheading the campaign.
Although plastic bag bans have already been implemented locally in large cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, this proposed law would extend the initiative statewide, impacting all Pennsylvania shops.
The proposed law would make it illegal for stores to give out single-use plastic bags at checkout counters. The use of reusable shopping bags or the provision of paper bags for a nominal price would be promoted instead.
According to Senator Schwank, the law was inspired by young people in her constituency who expressed grave worries about the long-term effects of plastic waste on the environment and public health.
“Plastic bags damage wildlife, wind up in our waterways, and take hundreds of years to decompose,” Schwank stated. “This is about protecting our future.”
A number of supermarket companies, such as Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and Aldi, have already removed plastic bags from their establishments, indicating a change in business and customer perspectives on sustainability.
The proposed law would include several exclusions where plastic bags are still deemed required for safety and hygienic reasons, such as for produce, frozen items, and prescription drugs.
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At least eight states have already passed such statewide prohibitions, including Delaware, New Jersey, and New York, according to the National Conference on State Legislatures.
Though the exact date of Schwank’s formal bill introduction is yet unknown, lawmakers, environmental organizations, and company owners are already interested and debating the early topic.
If approved, Pennsylvania would make significant progress in lowering plastic waste and promoting more environmentally friendly purchasing practices throughout the state.
