Plastic bags are everywhere—floating through neighborhoods, clogging storm drains, polluting rivers, and piling up in landfills across Ohio.

These single-use plastics may seem convenient, but they leave behind a massive cost: to our environment, our health, and future generations.

Now, California has stepped up. Starting in 2026, all plastic shopping bags will be banned statewide.

That means no more exceptions for thicker “reusable” plastic bags. If you forget your own, you can request a paper bag instead. It’s a simple, effective step to cut pollution and protect wildlife.

Ohio should follow California’s lead.

We’re calling on the Ohio General Assembly and Governor Mike DeWine to pass legislation that fully bans plastic shopping bags at grocery stores, pharmacies, liquor stores, and convenience stores statewide.

Why? Because plastic bags:

• Take centuries to decompose
• Break into toxic microplastics that pollute water and harm human health
• Kill marine animals and birds who mistake them for food
• Cost taxpayers millions to clean up as litter
• Most of these bags are used for just minutes, yet they stick around for generations.

Dozens of cities and counties around the U.S. have taken action. But Ohio still has no statewide law, and plastic pollution is getting worse—not better.

California’s model shows what’s possible. Their law targets the problem at its source, reduces environmental harm, and puts the power in shoppers’ hands to choose better.

It’s time Ohio catches up.

Sign this petition to demand action from Ohio’s leaders. Let’s make 2026 the year Ohio bans plastic bags—for our lakes, our streets, our health, and our future.