Vermont plastic bag use dropped 91% following ban

A new study from the University of Vermont (UVM) shows Vermont’s ban on single-use plastic bags has led to a dramatic 91 percent drop in their use. The findings—based on a 2023 survey—suggest that well-crafted environmental policy can shift behavior effectively without sparking significant resistance Phys.org Seven Days.

How the Ban Worked

In July 2020, Vermont enacted a law prohibiting stores and restaurants from handing out plastic carryout bags. Instead, customers could opt for paper bags at a 10-cent fee. Certain exceptions applied—for instance, bags for produce or prescription medications remained allowable Seven Days Karmactive.

Researchers surveyed 745 Vermont adults in 2023 to assess the law’s impact. They found a nearly 91 percent reduction in plastic bag use, shifting consumption habits significantly Phys.org Seven Days.

What Replaced Plastic Bags?

Interestingly, paper bag usage rose only about 6 percent, a change not considered statistically significant. Instead, many residents opted for reusable alternatives—often a more sustainable choice long-term Phys.org Seven Days Karmactive.

Survey responses highlighted varied behaviors:

Some people switched straight to paper bags.
A segment stopped using paper bags when the fee kicked in.
Many had already used reusable bags and simply continued to do so Phys.org.

Public Support and Policy Design

More than 70 percent of respondents expressed positive views of the legislation—an indicator of community readiness for change Phys.org Seven Days Karmactive.

Key factors contributing to acceptance included:

“Bottom-up” origins: The law grew from grassroots concern over single-use plastics, fostering a sense of ownership Phys.org Karmactive.
Clear, early communication: Authorities gave advance notice, helping communities prepare for changes Phys.org Karmactive.

UVM researchers suggested that pairing a plastic bag ban with a fee on paper bags nudged both environmental and practical outcomes—in other words, it encouraged people toward reusable choices Phys.org Karmactive.

Regional and National Context

Vermont’s law is part of a growing trend across the U.S. At least 12 states, including California, New York, and Washington, have implemented similar plastic bag bans with fees or other restrictions The Sun.

As a result, plastic bag usage and littering continue to decline in many areas—though challenges remain in balancing convenience, environmental impact, and equity.

Caveats and Criticisms

No policy is perfect, and Vermont’s bag ban drew some critical voices. Some commentators have raised concerns:

Environmental trade-offs: Paper bags are heavier and more resource-intensive to produce and transport, potentially undermining environmental gains. Landfill volume may also increase FYIVT+1.
Impact on low-income families: The fee could disproportionately affect households with limited means, despite the overall environmental intent FYIVT.

These critical views remind us that even well-supported policies need thoughtful scrutiny and adjustments to ensure fairness and real environmental benefit.

Lessons for Policy Makers

Vermont’s experience offers encouraging—but tempered—takeaways:

Community involvement matters. A policy born from public concern can enjoy smoother implementation.
Simplicity helps. A clear ban plus small fee is easy to communicate and enforce.
Think holistically. Laws should account not just for banning plastic, but also for substitution effects, supply chains, and access.
Monitor and adjust. Tracking outcomes and listening to feedback—especially from vulnerable groups—can guide future improvements.

Conclusion: A forward-looking success story

Vermont’s plastic bag ban achieved a remarkable 91 percent drop in usage, demonstrating how carefully designed policy, public backing, and clear messaging can drive positive behavior change. The law struck a balance between effectiveness and acceptance, sparking large-scale reduction without widespread backlash.

At the same time, critics remind us that environmental progress must consider material trade-offs and equitable policy design. As other states and communities explore similar regulations, Vermont’s model provides a useful starting point—with lessons in both what to emulate and what to refine.