Colorado Plastic Bag Fee in Effect: How to Choose a Reusable Grocery Bag

Colorado Plastic Bag Fee in Effect: How to Choose a Reusable Grocery Bag

Colorado has introduced a 10 cent plastic fee on January 1, 2023 and will ban most single-use plastics in 2024 in an effort to reduce waste and pollution. Some retailers are going beyond the new state law and have ceased to offer disposable plastic or paper bags at Colorado checkout stands.

 

 Dates to Know:

  • From Jan. 1, 2023 through the end of the year retailers must charge 10 cents for each disposable plastic or paper bag customers use, and cities that passed laws charging even more can keep their laws. 

  • Starting Jan. 1, 2024, retailers can only supply recycled paper bags at 10 cents each; plastic bags are banned. 

  • Styrofoam food containers are banned in Colorado on Jan. 1, 2024. 

 
 

Reusable grocery bags are an eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastic bags that can have a significant impact on the environment. Choosing a reusable bag is an easy and practical way to reduce your environmental footprint, and there are many options available to suit your needs and style.

Here are some tips on how to choose a reusable grocery bag:

1.     Consider the bag’s durability: You want a bag that can hold all of your groceries, but is also sturdy enough to withstand the weight of your items. Look for bags made from sturdy materials such as nylon as these are more likely to hold up over time.

2.    Think about the size of the bag: A larger bag may be more convenient for big shopping trips, but a smaller bag may be easier to carry and store when not in use. Consider your typical grocery shopping habits and choose a size that works best for you.

3.    Consider the bag’s capacity: Choose a size that can hold all of your groceries. A typical Brown Paper Bag dimensions are 12” x 7” x 17” with about 1,428 cubic inches. A Reusable bag that is about 1,600 – 1,800 cubic inches is recommended as it can hold a large number of groceries, but is not overly bulky at this size.

4.    Easy Storage: Having a bag that is collapsible and easy to fold so you can store it in your car or easily around the house adds to the convenience of shopping with a reusable grocery bag. Plus you’re less likely to forget them at home if you can easily store them.

5.    Machine Washable: Look for a bag that is machine washable so if any groceries happen to spill or leak you can quickly and easily clean the bag. The bag should be machine washable, and most are recommended to hang dry.

Overall, choosing a reusable grocery bag is a simple and practical way to reduce your environmental impact. Look for a bag that is durable, the right size for your needs, and has the capacity to hold all of your groceries. Not only will you be helping the planet, but you’ll also be saving money in the long run by avoiding the cost of single-use plastic bags. So, be a responsible shopper and choose a reusable grocery bag today!