Anchorage’s plastic bag ban is bad for consumers, businesses

As of Sept. 15, Anchorage retailers can no longer provide plastic bags to their customers. Businesses are allowed to provide paper bags, though they must charge a minimum of 10 cents each, up to 50 cents for paper bags on the entire transaction. Supporters of the harsh measures in the ban claim it will reduce litter and plastic waste in landfills. However, despite good intentions, bans on single-use plastic bags are largely ineffective, punish small businesses, and restrict consumer choice. Anchorage’s ban is no different. Read the full op-ed on the Anchorage Daily News website.