Single-use plastic bags are unnecessary and harmful to our planet and our communities. Replacing plastic bags with reusable bags is not only achievable, because it has happened in eight other U.S. states and several U.S. cities including Boston and NYC, but this action is also critical as the effects of climate change become more and more prominent. These effects, exacerbated by the drilling of oil to make things like plastic bags, have an undue impact on black and brown communities as well as on poor communities in the U.S. By banning plastic bags, we can stand up to injustice and secure a more equitable future that prioritizes people and the planet. This action will be the kickstarter for a more environmentally-concerned Pennsylvania.

Furthermore, we must take this step now, as Governor Tom Wolf can not run in the next election, and will likely be replaced by a member of the Republican Party. The next governor is not guaranteed to listen to residents of Pennsylvania when they advocate for a plastic-bag ban. However, with a democrat in office right now, we have a stronger chance of passing legislation to ban plastic bags.

We must take action to mitigate the effects of climate change immediately. Pennsylvania residents use approximately 4.6 billions plastic bags every year, 90% of which end up in the landfill or as litter. By passing this act, we can bring awareness to the issue of single-use plastics, slow down plastic production, and hopefully influence other states to do the same.