Recently my home state of New Jersey just banned the use of single use plastic bags in the whole state. Although this came with its awkward growing pains of forgetting our reusable bags and walking out of the store with a hand-full of groceries, it wasn't long before the plastic bags were completely out of mind. 

This change is not a serious burden on day to day life, it's easily implemented, and it will have positive, long-lasting effects for the environment.

I am calling on congress to make this change today! This effects all life on earth

Pros of Plastic Bag Bans

Plastic bags bans enhance the economy: Bans on plastic bags cause an uptick in business for reusable bag manufacturers and lead to increased employment opportunities.

Eliminating plastic bags reduces cost of goods: Stores have to factor in the cost of disposable bags into their prices. By eliminating plastic bags, stores can lower prices, helping shoppers save $18 to $30 annually.

Plastic bags are not biodegradable: When plastics bags become litter, they pollute oceans, rivers, farmlands, cities, and neighborhoods. Bans eliminate bags, which equals less litter and less pollution.

Picking up litter costs tax money: Banning plastic bags will reduce litter and allow for tax money to be redirected to more important areas.

Marine life will improve: Marine animals often mistake plastic bags as jellyfish or plankton, leading them to consume the litter and become ill or die.

Drainage infrastructures run more efficiently: Plastic litter often clogs drainage systems, causing unnecessary flooding.

Plastic bag bans reduce the need to petroleum: Banning plastic bags will minimize the dependency on the limited non-renewable resource.

Decrease the mosquito population: Discarded plastic bags collect rainwater and creates a breeding ground for mosquitos, some of which could carry the West Nile Virus or Triple E Virus.