California Plastic Bag Ban

 By Omar Eldegwy

$0.15 is how much Vons and Albertsons charge for plastic bags in California. When did this happen you may ask?

Well, on November 8, 2016 voters in California suggested that getting rid of plastic bags would be a good idea. The vote was very close. In fact 52.5% of voters decided that it would be a good idea, while he other 47.5% thought it wasn’t such a great idea. The proposition in which allowed this law to be passed, was proposition 67. It clearly states that if there were more “Yes” votes for approving this, than grocery stores and other retail stores would prohibit the use of single-use plastic or paper bags. What they would allow is recycled paper bags and reusable bags, but customers would have to pay a minimum of $0.10 for these bags.

In support of banning these plastic bags, Leila Monroe says, “One city and county at a time.” She thinks that other states should be following California in this movement. Another journalist, Stiv J. Wilson, said, “As a surfer, I started noticing plastic everywhere.” Both these people are in high support of the plastic bag ban.

A student from the Islamic School of San Diego (ISSD), Ashhal Usmani, says, “I think it’s a good idea because it helps eliminate waste and pollution from plastic bags, its ok that you have to buy bags because they’re pretty cheap.” Another student from ISSD, who wishes to remain anonymous, agrees with banning the plastic bags. “I think it’s a great idea, but I don’t understand why some people are against it.” Another quote that came in from ISSD says, “I don’t really care. It helps the environment but doesn’t help your wallet.” Based on what this student said, it looks like he could care less if California banned these bags or not.

There is one question left to ask these non-supporters. Our society today is filled with so much pollution that if you try to think of how much it is, you won’t be able to because it’s just too much. And it’s not just air pollution, there is also water pollution. Animals in the ocean are choking and suffering from these plastic bags, so the one question left to ask is. Do you want a world with pollution and smoke, or do you want a healthy world for the generations to come.