Left holding the grocery bag

More than 900 new state laws will go into effect in 2026. California’s Plastic Bag Ban (SB 1053) is one I wish we could sack.

If you recall, single-use plastic bags were already banned from grocery stores. However, thicker plastic bags were allowed, with the hope that consumers would reuse them. Unlike me, most folks just tossed them after one trip to Albertsons.

Now we all have to suffer.

Downtown San Diego’s Ralphs switched to paper ahead of the new, all encompassing plastic ban. Like Trader Joe’s bags, Ralphs’ paper bags have handles. The difference: You could haul a car battery in a mighty Trader Joe’s bag (note: untested theory). With a Ralphs bag, the handles will break off if you try to carry a four-pack of AA Duracell Coppertop batteries.

I’ll eventually stop moaning. My condo pantry includes a supply of reusable cloth bags. It’s just up to me to remember to take them to the grocery store.

With 900-plus new laws to remember, we have a lot on our minds. There’s also the existential threat of the demise of democracy. And so many questions about what’s going to happen to Carol Sturka in Season Two of Pluribus.

I usually e-bike to do grocery shopping, aided by a backpack. If I forget my cloth bags, I can load my Ben & Jerry’s, Cutwater cans and other basics into the backpack.

Thank goodness my e-bike is equipped with a rear-facing red reflector, in accordance with new state law AB 544.