Ringing in the New Year wasn’t the only thing that happened on January 1st – the Bring Your Own Bag Plastic Reduction Act also took effect in Anne Arundel County. What does this mean? Shoppers must now bring their own bags or use retailers’ paper or reusable bags at checkout for purchase (if they offer them). Starting on February 1st, retailers must charge at least 10 cents per bag. This ban does not yet apply to the City of Annapolis and does not apply to plastic bags used to contain, package, or wrap – like raw meat, ice, or bulk items (think nuts and grains). This is a significant step for the county to reduce single-use plastics, which pollute ecosystems.
Unless you want to continuously purchase paper bags at checkout on top of the rising food prices, here are some tips and recommendations to make your next shopping trip a breeze:
Spend the money up front on quality, reusable bags that are washable and/or easy to clean.
One great option is Nina’s Flying Needle’s produce bags that meet the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) safety requirements and are free of lead, BPA and Phthalate, making them safe for food and your entire family. Nina has been helping families live a more sustainable, eco-friendly life without single use plastics since 2014. Nina also sells pool totes – despite their name, you can use them on your grocery store to insulate frozen and cold food – they’re lined, leak-proof, and machine washable. With over 1500 different fabrics, she can even make custom orders!
Another option to add to your reusable bag collection are SCOUT bags, which are made with woven, water-resistant fabric (strong enough to hold lots of food items inside). Local boutique, Whimsicality, sells the bagette, deano, and shopper totes in different prints – they even have exclusive Maryland and Annapolis prints available!
Another affordable option is to use IKEA Frakta bags – their iconic blue bag is large (19 gallons), made of durable fabric, easy to clean, and is also a steal at only $0.99!.
Consider purchasing a grocery cart divider bag, like the Lotus Trolley Bag, which are designed to fit inside shopping carts and help you stay organized. They are durable, mold-resistant, machine washable, and roll up into a compact, lightweight carrier.
Keep a plastic tote, laundry basket, or durable box in your trunk. Shopping at places like Sam’s Club and Costco has prepared us for this! Fewer trips to unload at home is another perk of this strategy!.
These solutions may seem easy, and you might already have a ton of reusable bags. Here’s the catch – don’t forget to bring your reusable bags inside the store or put your plastic tote back in your trunk! Easier said than done. Nina from Nina’s Flying Needle says, “Humans are creatures of habit…give yourself some grace. Once you’re used to having made the switch, you won’t be forgetting your bags anymore!”
Here are a few more tips to help you remember your bags:
- As soon as you get home from a shopping trip, unload, and place your reusable bags right back into your car.
- Put your grocery list or purse/key/phone (something valuable!) into your reusable bag when you get into the car.
- Add “bring reusable bags” to the grocery list.
- Similar to showing off a new purse or outfit, buy one of a kind, reusable bags that you are excited to use and show off!
TL;DR – The plastic bag ban is here and 2024 has room for new habits like BYOB (bring your own bag)!
Author: Sarah Amyot
Sarah wears many hats - mom of two young boys, two doggos, wife, project manager, and small business owner. She is passionate about the community and is involved in several nonprofits that serve AACo. Some of her favorite things include fried chicken, sci-fi movies, music, and Texas football.
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