Banning Plastic Shopping Bags: Raising Environmental Consciousness on National Level

ABSTRACT: This paper is centered around social learning theory principles and intends to demonstrate the use of these principles through a proposed ban of single-use plastic shopping bags. The ban would be an effort to raise environmental awareness in U.S. society. This paper explores the current literature across several connected topics: the harm that plastic shopping bags cause to our environment; the way in which a ban of these bags could improve environmental awareness, and as a by-product, raise efforts; and the best alternative to these single-use bags: jute bags. Furthermore, this paper explores how these efforts could become realized through the use of governmental incentives designated for corporations who implement these changes. Lastly, this paper explores possible positive long-term effects of this implementation and potential problems within these proposals.

KEYWORDS: Social Learning Theory, Plastic Shopping Bags, Environmental Awareness, Jute Bags, Governmental Incentives