Aren’t plastic bags better than paper? NO This claim comes from older Life Cycle analyses that did not take into account the larger long-term environmental impact of plastic. However the ideal choice is reusable bags, not paper bags.
Are reusable bags sanitary? YES In 30+ years since the advent of reusable shopping bags there is no evidence linking reusable bags to outbreaks of harmful bacteria or viruses. Cotton and non-woven polypropylene reusable bags are machine-washable (cold water/drip dry), thereby reducing germs. Woven polypropylene shopping bags can be wiped down with disinfectant. Photo: Cherry Chun Will this hurt low income families?NO Many bags are as cheap as $1, and last for years. SSC will provide free reusable bags to low-income families.
Will businesses be hurt? NO Revenue from reusable bag sales are a source of revenue and advertising. Also, no one has ever gone out of business because of a bag law. BJs, Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods haven’t had plastic bags for years, and Big Y and Kroger have committed to no plastic check-out bags,