Starting Today Walmart Stores In NY Won't Have Bags Anymore

If you rely on bagging your items in a brown paper bag when you shop at Walmart, today is the day to say goodbye to them. Walmart sold single-use brown bags at its New York stores after the state banned plastic bags. But today, the brown bags are going away. Jane Ewing, SVP, Walmart Sustainability, said,

Eliminating single-use bags in New York is part of our effort to reduce waste. Our customers want to be engaged on this journey, and we remain committed to making the sustainable choice the everyday choice.

Photo by Brando Makes Branding on Unsplash

New York State Banned Stores From Providing Plastic Bags

On March 1, 2020, the law went into effect that banned most stores around New york State from giving plastic bags out to customers. The law says, in part,

No person required to collect tax shall distribute any plastic carryout bags to its customers.

I'm still adjusting to using paper bags. While I do understand the need to reduce the use of plastic for the health of the planet, paper bags just aren't as effective. Many retailers (outside of Target) provide really cheap paper bags that rip very easily (Dollar Tree, I'm looking at you). And it's really hard to grab all my paper bags and make only one trip inside after a day of shopping. But alas, your kids will one day reap the benefits, hopefully.

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Walmart Will No Longer Offer Brown Paper Bags

Walmart ays that a variety of reusable bags are available for purchase. Personally, I like to buy my reusable bags from Marshalls.

Starting 1/18/23 Our New York stores will be going bagless. A large variety of reusable bags will be available for purchase in store.

New York isn't the only state where Walmart is getting rid of single-use paper bags, the national chain is also phasing them out in Connecticut and Colorado. Walmart has an agressive goal of achieving zero waste in its US operations by 2025.

If you're a Walmart shopper, put your reusable bags in your trunk now so the next time you head to the store you are prepared.