California has officially decided to ban all plastic shopping bags in grocery stores, a move signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom. Set to take effect on January 1, 2026, this legislation aims to address the environmental crisis caused by plastic pollution. Senator Catherine Blakespear highlighted that many so-called reusable bags end up in landfills, exacerbating pollution. The law will simplify checkout processes by eliminating the choice of plastic bags, focusing instead on reusable options. This initiative is a significant stride towards cleaner beaches and healthier marine life.