Law banning common item in grocery stores expanding in US state forcing shoppers to find alternative

A NEW law that will see a ban on a common grocery store item expanded is to come into force.

Shoppers will be forced to be creative and look for new alternatives once the measure comes into effect.

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The law means thicker plastic bags will be gradually phased out, as reported by the Fox affiliate KPTV-TV.

It builds on a measure that was signed into law in 2020.

Shoppers will be forced to look for alternative as thick plastic bags will be eliminated by January 2027.

And, the measure will impact restaurants, grocery stores, and other retail locations.

But, there are exceptions under the bill. 

Grocery chains such as Walmart will still be able to put raw meat in plastic bags. 

Plastic bags will also continue to be used for bulky items, as reported by Oregon Public Broadcasting.

But for the most part, retailers will have to use recycled paper bags.

Alternatively, shoppers could continue to use plastic bags they had stashed away, or boxes to transport groceries.

Lawmakers in Oregon passed the expanded bill last month and it was signed into law by Governor Tina Kotek.

The bill is part of a strategy to reduce waste and end reliance on plastics.

Some state lawmakers also spearheaded efforts that would’ve forced diners to ask for plastic items in restaurants.

However, this measure was watered down in the final version of the bill before it was signed into law.

But, the new law has sparked debate online, with some shoppers fearing that the state’s priorities are not being tackled.

“That’ll solve the crime and homelessness that my family has to navigate on a daily basis while living in Oregon,” one posted on Reddit.

“So glad we are prioritizing the important things!!”

Other shoppers flagged concerns that they will have to pay for garbage bags because of the new measure.

Staunch critics have branded the move “stupid” and claimed it’s a waste of money.

Some even wonder if the bill will ever come into force, claiming that it has “no teeth.”

A slew of states has already brought in legislation, eliminating plastic bags.

Politicians in Pennsylvania are considering whether to bring in a statewide ban on the item, as per the Franklin County Free Press.

Officials in Philadelphia rolled out a ban on the grocery store item in 2021.

Retailers are banned from providing single-use plastic bags as part of the law.

Politicians at the time said the measure would have three effects – cutting litter, saving money, and keeping people safe.

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