At The Earthling Co., we believe that small, intentional choices lead to a massive collective impact. We’ve always been about more than just products; we’re about a movement toward a world where "disposable" isn't the default. That’s why, when we hear news of systemic change—the kind that moves the needle on a global scale—we can’t help but celebrate.
California just made a major move in the right direction.
If you’ve been following the news, you might have heard that Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed Senate Bill 1053. While it might sound like just another piece of legislation, it is actually a monumental victory for our oceans, our communities, and the future of conscious consumption.
In short: California has officially banned all plastic bags at grocery store checkouts. No more thin film bags, and—crucially—no more "thick" plastic bags that were masquerading as reusable.
But why now? Didn’t California already ban plastic bags? And what does this mean for those of us trying to live a lower-waste lifestyle? Let’s dive into the details of SB 1053, why the previous "loophole" was such a problem, and how we can all prepare for a truly plastic-free future.
1. The New Ban: Breaking Down SB 1053
For years, the checkout experience in California has been a bit of a gray area. You’d get to the front of the line, realize you forgot your canvas totes in the trunk (it happens to the best of us!), and the cashier would offer you a "reusable" plastic bag for ten cents.
These bags were thicker and sturdier than the old-school crinkly ones, but they were still made of plastic film. Under the previous law, these were allowed because they were technically durable enough to be used multiple times.
SB 1053 changes everything.
The new law officially bans the distribution of all plastic bags at grocery and convenience store checkouts. This includes those thicker plastic film bags that have become ubiquitous over the last decade. By signing this bill, California is sending a clear message: Plastic is not the solution, no matter how thick you make it.
At The Earthling Co., our mission is to simplify eco-conscious living. We know that navigating greenwashed options can be exhausting. This law helps clear the air by removing a confusing, "pseudo-eco" option from the equation entirely.
2. When Does This Happen? (Mark Your Calendars)
We know that change takes time, and retailers need a window to pivot. The new regulations are set to go into full effect on January 1, 2026.
While that might seem like a while away, the transition is already beginning. Many stores are starting to phase out their stock of plastic film, and the conversation around sustainable alternatives is reaching a fever pitch.
At The Earthling Co., we don’t believe in waiting for a law to tell us when to do better. We see the 2026 deadline as an opportunity to build better habits today.
3. Closing the "Thick Bag" Loophole: A Lesson in Good Intentions
To understand why SB 1053 is so important, we have to look back at SB 270, California’s first statewide bag ban passed ten years ago.
At the time, SB 270 was revolutionary. It was the first ban of its kind in the country, and it successfully removed those flimsy, single-use "T-shirt" bags from stores. However, the law included a provision that allowed stores to sell thicker plastic bags (at least 2.25 mils thick) if they met certain "reusability" standards.
The idea was that people would buy these thicker bags and reuse them dozens of times.
The reality? It didn't work.
Most consumers treated these thicker bags exactly like the old single-use ones—tossing them in the trash after one trip. Because these bags required more plastic to manufacture (to meet the thickness requirement), the environmental impact actually worsened in some ways.
The Data is Staggering:
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More Weight, More Waste: Since 2016, the weight of plastic bags being thrown away in California has actually increased compared to before the original ban.
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The 2021 Report: A study by CalRecycle found that in 2021 alone, an estimated 460,000 pounds of single-use plastic bags ended up in California’s municipal waste.
This is a classic example of why we focus on true sustainability at The Earthling Co. We don’t just want to "make plastic better"—we want to move away from it wherever possible. When a product is designed to be "disposable-adjacent," it almost always ends up in a landfill. Our goal is to offer products that are designed for years of use, not just a handful of trips.
4. Why This Matters: The Environmental & Economic Necessity
California’s coastline is iconic. From the rugged cliffs of Big Sur to the sun-drenched beaches of San Diego, the ocean is the heartbeat of the state. But that beauty is under threat.
Protecting Marine Life
Plastic bags are cited as one of the deadliest types of plastic for ocean wildlife. Sea turtles often mistake floating bags for jellyfish—their primary food source. Once ingested, plastic causes internal blockages that are frequently fatal. Entanglement is another major issue, trapping animals and preventing them from swimming or feeding.
A $45 Billion Economy
Sustainability isn't just about ethics; it's about survival. California’s ocean-based economy is valued at roughly $45 billion annually. This includes tourism, fishing, and recreation—all of which depend on clean, plastic-free beaches and healthy ecosystems. When our oceans suffer, our economy follows suit.
The Microplastic Crisis
The article highlighting this ban makes an important point: plastic has moved beyond the "environment" and into our bodies. As plastic bags break down, they don't disappear; they turn into microplastics. These tiny particles have been found in:
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Our drinking water
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The food we eat (including salt and honey)
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The air we breathe
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Human blood and lung tissue
When you choose a plastic-free alternative, like Shampoo and Conditioner Bars, you aren't just saving a bottle from the ocean—you’re helping reduce the total amount of plastic entering the global cycle that eventually ends up back in our bodies.
5. You Are Part of the Majority: Broad Public Support
Sometimes, living sustainably can feel like swimming against the current. But the data shows that you are far from alone.
According to an Oceana poll, public sentiment is overwhelmingly in favor of these changes:
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86% of California voters support local and state policies that reduce single-use plastic.
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92% of California voters are concerned about single-use plastic products like bags, beverage bottles, and takeout containers.
People are tired of the clutter, the waste, and the environmental toll of "convenience" culture. SB 1053 isn't just a top-down mandate; it's a reflection of what the people actually want.
At The Earthling Co., we see this support every day in our community. Every time you leave a review or share a photo of your plastic-free haul, you’re proving that there is a massive demand for a better way of living.
6. Shifting the Focus: Reduction Over Recycling
For decades, we’ve been told that recycling is the answer to our plastic problems. We’ve been taught to look for the little chasing-arrows symbol and feel good about tossing our plastic in the blue bin.
The hard truth? Recycling is not a panacea.
The Oceana report notes that less than 6% of plastic in the U.S. is actually recycled. The rest is either buried in landfills, incinerated (releasing toxic chemicals), or ends up as pollution in our environment. Plastic film—the stuff grocery bags are made of—is notoriously difficult to recycle and often tangles the machinery at recycling centers.
SB 1053 shifts the focus to where it belongs: Reduction.
The goal is to stop plastic pollution at the source. Instead of trying to figure out how to "properly" dispose of a plastic bag, the law encourages us to move toward paper bags or, ideally, reusable bags brought from home.
This source reduction philosophy is the DNA of The Earthling Co. Why recycle a plastic bottle of body wash when you can use a body wash bar that requires no plastic at all?
7. How to Prepare for a Truly Plastic-Free Grocery Run
While the ban doesn't fully kick in until 2026, there’s no reason to wait. Transitioning your habits now will make the official change feel like second nature. Here are a few ways to level up your shopping game:
Master the "Stash"
The biggest hurdle to using reusable bags is forgetting them.
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The Car Stash: Keep a set of canvas totes in your trunk or back seat.
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The "Door Knob" Method: After you unload your groceries, immediately hang your empty bags on the front door knob so you remember to take them back to the car on your next trip.
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The Compact Carry: Keep a small, foldable bag in your purse or backpack for those unexpected "I just need two things" trips.
Beyond the Bag: Rethinking Your Kitchen
A plastic-free grocery run is a great start, but what happens when you get home?
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Food Storage: Instead of reaching for plastic wrap or zip-top bags, try beeswax wraps or silicone alternatives. They create an airtight seal without the waste.
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Cleaning Up: Once the meal is done, skip the plastic-bottled soaps. A solid dish soap cuts through grease just as well as the liquid stuff, but it arrives in a simple cardboard box.
The Big Picture: Why We Celebrate SB 1053
At the end of the day, SB 1053 is about more than just grocery bags. It’s about a fundamental shift in how we value our resources and our planet. It’s an admission that the "disposable age" was a mistake and that we have the power to fix it.
California is often a bellwether for the rest of the country. When California bans plastic bags, other states watch, learn, and often follow suit. By supporting these changes and voting with our wallets for plastic-free alternatives, we are collectively steering the ship toward a cleaner, healthier Earth.
We are so proud to be part of this community of Earthlings who care deeply about these issues. Whether you’re a longtime zero-waste advocate or you’re just starting your journey by swapping out your first shampoo bottle, your choices matter.
The plastic bag ban is a victory, but the real work happens in our daily lives—in the small, quiet choices we make to leave the world a little better than we found it.
Let’s keep going. Together.
Ready to take the next step in your plastic-free journey? Explore our full collection of low-waste essentials at The Earthling Co. and join the movement today.
