The End of Plastic

Jade Stein • February 28, 2026

Many people wonder why local Target stores stopped using plastic bags. On Jan. 1, California introduced a law that has placed a ban on plastic bags at store checkouts. The Senate Bill 1053, made it so that stores can only offer recycled paper bags at checkout. Grocery stores, pharmacies, convenience stores, liquor stores and other retailers were affected by this bill. The bill was passed to solve a certain problem in a previous bag ban. In 2014, Senate Bill 270, thicker plastic bags were permitted but are rarely recycled and still end up as waste. Lawmakers and advocates maintained that removing these bags would greatly cut down on plastic waste accumulating in landfills, waterways and the natural environment. As a result, California is working to reduce unnecessary waste, contributing to a more sustainable future for both the environment and future generations.

Over the years, California has put in an effort to protect the environment by reducing plastic waste. In the early 2000s, the concern over plastic waste escalated as studies showed that plastics persist in landfills, waterways and marine ecosystems and harm wildlife. In 2014, California passed Senate Bill 270 which prohibited thin plastic carryout bags and required stores to charge a fee for paper or reusable alternatives. The law was supported by voters and strongly advocated for. Over time, however, a significant loophole occurred. Retailers began offering thicker plastic bags labeled as “reusable,” which complied with the law, but were rarely reused or recycled. Studies showed that these plastic bags were still being dumped after a singular use and significantly contributed to plastic pollution. Plastic waste continued to increase and Senate Bill 1053 was passed. This was designed to close the loophole and eliminate plastic carryout bags altogether at grocery store checkouts.

Over the years, California has put in an effort to protect the environment by reducing plastic waste. In the early 2000s, the concern over plastic waste escalated as studies showed that plastics persist in landfills, waterways and marine ecosystems and harm wildlife. In 2014, California passed Senate Bill 270 which prohibited thin plastic carryout bags and required stores to charge a fee for paper or reusable alternatives. The law was supported by voters and strongly advocated for. Over time, however, a significant loophole occurred. Retailers began offering thicker plastic bags labeled as “reusable,” which complied with the law, but were rarely reused or recycled. Studies showed that these plastic bags were still being dumped after a singular use and significantly contributed to plastic pollution. Plastic waste continued to increase and Senate Bill 1053 was passed. This was designed to close the loophole and eliminate plastic carryout bags altogether at grocery store checkouts.

Students mentioned having to convert their entire households from plastic to paper. As plastic bags have been a staple in American households for many years, the transition to paper has been an inconvenience. One student in particular has expressed her opinion on plastic bags being replaced by paper bags. Peninsula student, Kira Sproat, stated that her family has made the shift from using plastic bags to paper bags.

“My family has completely converted by saving our paper bags and demolishing the use of plastic ones,” Sproat said. “Peplacing plastic bags with paper bags is great for the environment and is a change that we all need to make. I think it will have a great impact on the environment and reduce the amount of waste. Although paper rips easily, knowing that I am making a conscious effort to help the environment I think paper is better. The landfills are already getting way too full and although paper bags lead to the cutting down of trees, we have more trees than we have room for landfills”

The introduction of paper bags has students questioning the durability of these bags. Some students have expressed that while knowing that paper bags are good for the environment, they are annoying to use. Plastic bags have been used for so long that people have grown accustomed to their toughness that paper bags lack.

“They are annoying to use because they rip but what you're getting is better than what you're losing,” Sorial said. “Paper bags are helpful for the environment but it's negatively impacting me. I prefer plastic but I believe that paper is better for the environment because plastic is non-biodegradable.”

Some students think that this law is a step towards the right direction; however, it doesn't fully address much bigger issues. While using paper bags is a better alternative, students have noted paper bags require more water, trees, and energy to produce. The paper bag “controversy” mirrors the plastic straw bans in the early 2010s. Many states restricted the use of plastic straws in favor of paper straws. The transition from paper to plastic points out the issues of pollution in our environment. Recent environmental policies highlight the growing concern over waste management in modern society.

“When I am older, there will be less microplastics in the water and my family and I will be able to have more drinkable, healthy water,” Caoile said “Plastic has only been beneficial for a very short period of time before it started ruining our planet”

Replacing plastic bags with paper bags at every store in California doesn't completely solve the problem of pollution but it is a step in the right direction.Supporters argue that the environmental benefits and potential long-term reduction in plastic pollution may outweigh the drawbacks, noting that efforts to limit excessive plastic use could have positive effects on oceans and wildlife