The Canadian federal ban on plastic bags marked a turning point in our environmental policy. Introduced to combat plastic pollution, the ban aimed to reduce the environmental impact of single-use plastics, which have long been a detrimental force against ecosystems and wildlife.
In the early days of this ban, grocery retailers across the nation adopted paper bags as an alternative solution to cater to the needs of customers who forgot to bring reusable bags.

The Initial Shift: From Plastic to Paper
In the wake of the ban, paper bags became a common sight in grocery stores. These bags were readily available for customers who found themselves without reusable bags. You might remember arriving at the grocery store only to realize you forgot the bags you bought before. But you knew you had more than enough at home, so you certainly didn’t want to buy any more!

The transition seemed logical and environmentally sound, given that paper bags are biodegradable and can be recycled, unlike plastic, which linger in the environment for centuries.
Using paper bags was a practical stopgap during this period, bridging the gap between single-use plastic dependency and adopting more sustainable practices (if only we could remember). Paper bags provided a convenient and eco-friendly alternative, reducing the immediate pressure on us to adapt to the new regulations overnight.
The Gradual Disappearance of Paper Bags
However, as time passed, the paper bags started to vanish from grocery store checkouts. But why?
Paper bags are more expensive than plastic. Retailers hesitated to provide them for free.
Reusable bags gained popularity, leading to a decreased demand for paper alternatives.
Logistical challenges and supply chain constraints further complicated the sustained availability of paper bags.

The Case for Mandating Paper Bags
Given the current landscape, it’s time to revisit policies surrounding the availability of paper bags in grocery stores. Mandating retailers to stock paper bags for those who forget reusable bags ensures that transitioning away from plastic doesn’t inadvertently inconvenience consumers or harm the environment.
Consumer Convenience
Mandating the availability of paper bags ensures customers are not penalized for occasional forgetfulness. This reliable fallback option maintains customer satisfaction and encourages continued patronage of stores that support sustainable practices. Many of us find ways to keep reusable bags in the car to reduce embarrassment at the till.
Environmental Benefits
The primary argument for reintroducing paper bags is their environmental benefit. Unlike plastic bags, notorious for long degradation periods and harmful impacts on marine life, paper bags decompose quickly and are easy to recycle. This makes them a preferable alternative when reusable bags are not an option.
Setting a Precedent
By enforcing such a mandate, Canada would set a positive precedent for other nations grappling with similar challenges. It would demonstrate our commitment to sustainable practices while balancing the practical needs of consumers. This could inspire other countries to adopt similar measures, contributing to a global reduction in plastic waste.
Implementing the Mandate:
Practical Considerations
To effectively implement this mandate, several practical considerations must be addressed.
Clear guidelines on the quality and capacity of paper bags ensure they are a viable alternative for carrying various groceries.
The government could explore subsidizing the cost of paper bags to alleviate the financial burden on retailers (in case anyone thinks grocery giants can’t afford the hit to record profits).
Public awareness campaigns play a crucial role in educating consumers about the environmental benefits of using paper bags and the importance of bringing reusable bags.
Fostering an increased culture of sustainability and responsibility further reinforces the intended outcomes of the plastic bag ban.
Remember Your Reusable Grocery Bags!

The CBC article “We’re drowning in reusable bags. Are bag profits preventing big grocers from adopting solutions?” suggests profits from reusable bag sales prevent retailers from offering paper bags as an alternative.
Reusable bags must be used many times to have less environmental impact than flimsy, single-use plastic ones. However, many (most?) reusable bags aren’t reused and wind up in landfills because they’re difficult to recycle.
The journey from plastic to paper and beyond represents a significant chapter in Canada’s ongoing efforts to safeguard the environment. While the transition to reusable bags is the ultimate goal, the current gap left by the disappearance of paper bags cannot be ignored.
By mandating the availability of paper bags, the government can ensure a smoother transition for consumers and a continued commitment to environmental stewardship.
The time has come to re-evaluate the situation as it plays out in reality. Through thoughtful legislation and community engagement, Canada can lead the way in innovative and sustainable practices, ultimately creating a cleaner, greener future for all.
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