Oregon closer to banning plastic bags

Last week, Oregon lawmakers voted to prohibit single-use plastic shopping bags. The Senate voted 17-12 to ban grocery stores and restaurants from providing plastic bags at check out. Plastic bags are one of the most common types of beach litter, the World Economic Forum reports 8 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean each year. Republicans argued against the bill, with some saying single-use bags are more sanitary. The bill awaits Governor Kate Brown’s signature. If you don’t already take your own bag into stores, now’s the time to get into the habit.

Oregon closer to banning plastic bags