A family collect plastic waste on the shore inn Ocean Conservancy's clean up in the Norwegian ... [+]
Plastic bag bans in the U.S. have proven effective in reducing plastic litter and pollution in the ocean, according to a new study from the environmental nonprofit Ocean Conservancy.
The report highlights the positive impact of these bans on reducing the amount of plastic waste entering the ocean, which totals over 12 million tons annually, including plastic bottles and carrier bags, threatening marine ecosystems and wildlife.
The study is based on data collected during the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC), the world’s largest beach cleanup effort, which takes place each September.
The findings show a significant decline in the number of plastic bags found on beaches following the implementation of statewide plastic bag bans across the U.S. According to the report, there has been a 29% reduction in plastic grocery bags collected from beaches and waterways between 2022 and 2023, compared to pre-pandemic levels.
“Plastic bags are one of the deadliest forms of plastic pollution to marine life, and sadly, they are also one of the most commonly found polluting our beaches,” said Dr. Anja Brandon, Ocean Conservancy’s director of plastics policy hoping that this analysis will inspire other states to pass bans of their own.
Despite this progress, plastic bags remain among the top five most-collected types of plastic waste during cleanups, highlighting the ongoing need for effective policies and public awareness.
The decline in plastic bag waste correlates with a doubling of the U.S. population covered by statewide plastic bag bans, which increased from 12% to 25% since 2020.However, the number might also be explained by the fact that plastic pollution surged temporarily during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the increased use of single-use plastics, including plastic bags, masks, and takeaway food containers, driven by hygiene concerns.
Addressing the Plastic Waste Problem
Beyond policy solutions like plastic bag bans, various companies and nonprofits are working on innovative ways to clean up plastic waste already polluting the ocean, or to produce biodegradable products for packaging tasks.
On September 21 Ocean Concervancy plans the traditional cleanup day, this year aiming at achieving the World’s largest beach cleanup effort to engage over half a million volunteers.
One of the most notable efforts comes from the Dutch nonprofit The Ocean Cleanup, which has been using a floating system to collect plastic from rivers and oceans since 2013. The organization claims to have removed a total of 10 million kilograms (22 million pounds) of plastic worldwide. However, the system cannot capture microplastics, a critical and challenging aspect of ocean pollution.
British company Polymateria is addressing plastic pollution at its source by developing plastics that meet new biodegradable standards. These plastics can fully biodegrade, helping reduce long-term waste accumulation, but pricing deters potential clients to switch towards non-fossil-fuel-based products.
Meanwhile, Paris-based biotech company Calyxia just raised $35 million in Series B funding to develop biodegradable microcapsules and microparticles for use in consumer goods, crop protection, and advanced materials. These innovative products aim to replace traditional microplastic ingredients, which are widely used in cosmetics, laundry care, and crop protection products.
International Efforts to Reduce Plastic Bag Use
Countries around the world are taking steps to limit plastic bag consumption and reduce plastic waste. The European Union has set a target for citizens to use a maximum of 40 plastic bags per year.
While in Belgium, Portugal, Austria and Sweden citizens use only 30 and 40 bags per year - less than one per week - other countries in the continent continue purchasing and using plastic bags.
Norway has seen a reduction in plastic bag consumption from 120 bags per person in 2022 to 75 but still lags behind its neighbors. To encourage further reduction, Norway has recently raised the price of plastic carrier bags from two to three cents. However, this policy has not been as effective as hoped, with many Norwegians citing forgetfulness or the use of plastic bags for household waste as reasons for continuing to purchase them.
In other European countries, alternative approaches have been more successful. Swedish supermarkets prominently display reusable bags and promote clear messaging on reducing plastic waste, while many stores in Denmark no longer offer plastic bags at all. In Italy, compostable carrier bags have become the standard at most supermarkets, encouraging more sustainable habits.
A combination of policy development, public engagement for clean-up efforts, tech innovation, and corporate responsibility will be needed to achieve long-term sustainability and ensure safer marine habitats.
