Skip to main content

California Is First State to Ban Plastic Bags

Support Provided By

California became the first state in the nation to ban plastic grocery bags today when Gov. Jerry Brown signed legislation authored by a pair of Southland legislators that will prohibit large stores from using the sacks beginning in July.

"This bill is a step in the right direction -- it reduces the torrent of plastic polluting our beaches, parks and even the vast ocean itself," Brown said. "We're the first to ban these bags, and we won't be the last."

The legislation authored by Sens. Alex Padilla, D-Pacoima, and Kevin de Leon, D-Los Angeles, brings the state in line with ordinances that have been enacted by 120 local governments in California, including the city and county of Los Angeles.

The law prohibits grocery stores and pharmacies from distributing the bags beginning July 1, 2015, with the law extending to convenience and liquor stores the following July. The law also makes $2 million in loans available to plastic-bag businesses to help them transition to the manufacture of reusable bags.

"The new law will greatly reduce the flow of billions of single-use plastic bags that litter our communities and harm our environment each year," Padilla said. "Moving from single-use plastic bags to reusable bags is common sense. Governor Brown's signature reflects our commitment to protect the environment and reduce government costs."

Plastic bag manufacturers have blasted efforts to ban the product, saying it would lead to massive job losses in the industry. Padilla said the inclusion of loan funds for businesses to convert to the manufacture of reusable bags would help address that concern.

Support Provided By
Read More
A black and white photo of an adult dressed as the easter bunny with a giant costumed head, holding a little girl on their left who gives it a kiss on the cheek and, with his right arm, holding a little boy who brings his hands to his eyes as though wiping away tears.

Behold the Bunnies and Bonnets of L.A.'s Past Easter Celebrations

The onset of the spring season heralds the arrival of fragrant flowers in bloom — and all the critters that enjoy them, including the Easter bunny and families who anticipate his arrival with egg hunts, parades and questionable fashion choices.
A black and white image of an elephant holding a broom with its trunk. A man is seen near the elephant, walking towards the animal.

Lions and Tigers and Cameras! How the Movies Gave Los Angeles a Zoo

The early days of the movies in Los Angeles inadvertently allowed visitors to experience the largest collection of animals in the western United States. When animals weren't appearing in a movie, they were rented out to other film companies, performed for studio visitors, or in the case of filmmaker William Selig's collection — an opportunity to create one of Los Angeles' first zoos.
A vertical, black and white portrait of a blonde woman wearing a sparkly four-leaf clover costume as she holds her arms out and extends a leg as though in a curtsy.

Irish for a Day: L.A.'s History of 'Going Green' on St. Patrick's Day

Whether it was a parade, dance, tea party, home celebration or just enjoying a good ol' wee dram of whisky, here's a photo essay of how Los Angeles donned its green apparel to celebrate St. Patrick's Day and embrace the luck o' the Irish over the years.