It’s the most wonderful time of the year — you know, when you spend all your hard-earned cash on your favorite people! But since Pittsburgh’s ban on single-use plastics went into effect Oct. 14, you likely have a lot of questions on how shopping will feel different this year, like who has to comply, or what will happen to your purchases if you still forget a bag?
Here’s what you need to know about shopping plastic-free this holiday season:
Why did single-use plastics get banned?
As you may have already heard, plastic bags aren’t good for the environment. It can take about 1,000 years for plastic bags to degrade in a landfill, and the chemicals in plastics can be harmful to wildlife. The City of Pittsburgh said that promoting sustainable alternatives will contribute to a cleaner and healthier city for everyone.
Who has to comply with the ban?
Almost all businesses throughout the city are affected by this ban, from supermarkets to department stores, food trucks, delivery services, and others. However, dry cleaners and pharmacies do not need to comply.
What happens if you forget a reusable bag?
Ideally, you’re the kind of person who never forgets a reusable bag and lives by the tote bag credo. But you’re bound to forget your bag every once and a while. So what can you do? Many grocery stores will be offering paper bags for a minimum of 10 cents — though stores can charge more if they choose, and stores aren’t required to offer brown bags. Stores can also sell their own reusable branded bags, starting at 99 cents.
