Major Change for Bismarck Shoppers? Plastic Bag Ban Explained

Grocery shopping is a chore in my house. I don't like it even a little bit. In fact, I place grocery orders almost every time. I don't like wasting hours of my day going through an overcrowded grocery store, trying to find this or that, while giving myself anxiety, rage, and overstimulation. It's worth the $10 to $15 to have it delivered to my door.

I'm sure you've noticed that different states all across the country are banning plastic bags, but not only that, but also paper bags, because they are single-use.

As of right now, 12 states have banned single-use bags. Those states include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. Will North Dakota succumb to the same fate? Look, I get the convenience of plastic and paper bags, but is it the right thing to do? Is it really saving the planet? I honestly don't know if I can say for sure.

What I do know is that in 2019, North Dakota passed a bill (House Bill 1200) that prevents cities and counties from enacting restrictions on this--restrictions on single-use containers.

I also know that many environmental activists are working to change this across the country. With the holiday shopping season upon us, we will be using more single-use bags than ever.

Ban On Plastic Bags?

Should we do this? Well, I'll let you answer that question. I will say it doesn't look like that is what North Dakotans want. Let's look at this a different way. Let's say we ban these from stores... what about fast food restaurants? While I want to save the planet as much as the next person. Should our food be handed to us in burlap sacks?

I'm not saying there isn't a solution; what I'm saying is that there isn't a solution across all industries.

According to BulletinBag.com, many of the reusable bags you buy from retailers are also lined or protected with plastic coatings to prevent leakage. Which is the lesser of two evils?

So, for now, I think we will continue to do what we do in North Dakota, but I don't think it will be long before we get pressure to change. What do you think about switching? Tell us in the app?