Hawaii Is Officially The First State To Ban Plastic Bags In Grocery Stores

Hawaii has officially banned plastic bags in grocery stores. The City and County of Honolulu announced Wednesday that it will be enforcing a ban prohibiting the distribution of plastic bags in supermarket checkout lanes, reports the Huffington Post. Because Oahu was the last island in the state to enforce the ban, Hawaii will no longer offer them to customers.

Stores in various counties across the nation have gradually been removing plastic bags from checkout. Instead, they encourage patrons to bring reusable bags for their groceries.

Since plastic isn’t biodegradable, it’s a leading contributor to ocean patches that eventually form into garbage islands. By using a reusable bag, we limit the negative impact plastic bags have on the environment.