How Many Reusable Totes Do You Have? Vermont’s Plastic Bag Ban Cuts Use by 91%

Before the law, plastic bags were a staple at checkouts.

In July 2020, as Vermont navigated the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic, a quiet revolution took root in grocery stores, retail shops, and markets across the state. A new law banned businesses from offering single-use plastic bags, allowing paper bags only for a 10-cent fee.

Now, a recent study from the University of Vermont (UVM) confirms what many Vermonters have observed: the ban has been a resounding success, cutting plastic bag use by an astonishing 91% and earning widespread approval from residents.

The findings, detailed in a peer-reviewed paper in Environmental Economics and Policy Studies, stem from a 2023 survey that explored how the ban reshaped shopping habits and public attitudes. Their results paint a picture of a policy that worked.

A Dramatic Drop in Plastic Bags

The ban’s most striking impact was the near-total elimination of plastic bag use. Before the law, plastic bags were a staple at checkouts. After the ban, their use plummeted by 91%, a testament to the policy’s effectiveness. Meanwhile, paper bag use rose by just over 6%, a modest increase that researchers suggest was driven more by the availability of paper as a substitute than by the 10-cent fee.

The survey also revealed diverse responses among Vermonters. Some shoppers seamlessly swapped plastic for paper bags, while others, deterred by the fee, ditched paper bags altogether. Many had already embraced reusable bags before the ban and continued to do so, reflecting Vermont’s strong culture of sustainability.

Why It Worked: Grassroots Origins and Clear Communication

Vermonters, alarmed by the environmental toll of single-use plastics—such as ocean pollution and landfill waste—lobbied legislators to act. This grassroots push gave the law a foundation of public support, with 70% of survey respondents viewing it favorably.

Before the ban took effect, Vermont officials ensured residents knew what was coming. “That advance notice helped make the transition smooth and built public buy-in.” By the time the law kicked in, many Vermonters were ready to embrace the change.

Lessons for the Future

The UVM study offers valuable insights for other states considering similar bans. Wang advises policymakers to address both plastic and paper bags in tandem, as the slight uptick in paper bag use shows that substitutions can occur. He also emphasizes the importance of simplicity in policy design. Vermont’s straightforward approach—ban plastic bags, charge for paper, encourage reusables—made compliance easy for businesses and shoppers alike.

With three-quarters of Vermonters approving of the ban, the policy stands as a model for balancing environmental goals with public acceptance.

Vermont’s experience offers a clear message: with community support, clear communication, and a simple plan, smart environmental change is not just possible—it’s achievable.