LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. — A single-use plastic bag ban officially went into effect on January 1 in Lancaster Township, Lancaster County forcing residents and business owners in the area to change shopping habits.
It's a change that some residents and businesses understand.
"It was unusual because you’re used to getting plastic bags all the time but I see the point. There is a bunch of litter lying around everywhere," said Gerry Ganzle, a Lancaster resident who resorted to buying paper bags for his first-time grocery shopping under the new ban.
"It does affect us a little negatively because plastic is obviously cheaper than paper, but we'll do whatever it takes to help the environment," said Jeffrey Mathison, co-owner of 4th Wall Comics.
However, the transition has been more challenging for others.
"The ban complicates shopping. Makes checking out harder [and] inconvenient," said Lancaster resident Gibson Theobald. "I am probably going to be bringing my own bags because I don’t want to spend more money on stuff that I don’t need."
The Lancaster Township Board of Supervisors voted to implement a ban on single-use plastic bags on August 15, citing environmental concerns.
Township Supervisor Steve Elliott wrote in a statement after the vote was finalized:
"After a year of review, we determined that eliminating single-use plastic bags would provide an environmental benefit with little impact on businesses and consumers. The bags just aren’t necessary and I think it’s a small part we can play in eliminating pollution. We have a great community and I hope that other local municipalities will join us."
Pennsylvanians use 4.75 billion single-use plastic bags each year, according to advocacy organization PennEnvironment. Many end up clogging city streets, parks and waterways.
It’s an environmentally conscientious decision that residents agree with.
"With the way the trash is and the way people litter, I think it’s a good idea," said Ganzle. "You might see paper bags lying around for a little while but at least they break down a lot quicker than plastic."
Others are still skeptical about the realistic environmental impact the ban will have.
"They’re not going to recycle those [paper] bags. You’re having a net zero [impact]," said Theobald. "It doesn’t do anything. It doesn’t affect the environment in a positive way. You’re trading one evil for another."
Retailers are limited to providing paper bags for free or for a charge. Some local businesses like Dollars Deluxe and 4th Wall Comics have begun selling reusable bags to help the transition for their customers.
"Most of the customers express their understanding and support that," said James Zhan, owner of Dollars Deluxe.
Nonetheless, it’s a transition many are still getting used to.
"I am going to have to remember to bring a reusable grocery bag every time I go to the grocery store," said Mathison.
"Remember to bring your own bags, save a dime," said Ganzle.
Some exemptions remain, including thin bags offered in grocery stores for produce or meat, newspaper delivery bags and dry cleaner bags.
Lancaster Township joins 11 other municipalities in Pennsylvania to ban single-use plastic bags, according to Ban the Bag, a group that advocates against plastic bag bans.