The community of Jackson, Wyoming is bracing for a “plastic bag ban” in 2019.
In January, elected officials made the decision to ban businesses from using and distributing plastic bags. On April 15th the ban goes into place for large grocery stores and in November 2019, the ban goes into place for smaller retailers.
Jackson is the latest to join several dozen other American cities in banning plastic bags, however, they will be the first Wyoming community to do so.
Many argue the bags pollute land and water, are harmful to wildlife and marine life, as well as contribute to climate change.
Agencies in Jackson are currently working to distribute reusable bags to residents ahead of the bag ban. The Jackson Hole News & Guide reports that city officials included about $18,000 into the community budget for outreach and education about the ban this year.