This article explores the rise of plastic shopping bags since the 1970s, their popularity among retailers, and the growing environmental concerns leading to bans and waste management efforts. It highlights key developments and ongoing efforts to reduce plastic bag waste to protect the environment.

During the 1970s, only a handful of grocery outlets offered plastic bags to shoppers. Over subsequent decades, their usage skyrocketed, with an estimated 100 billion bags consumed globally each year. The earliest versions, designed by Swedish firm Celloplast, were tubular with integrated handles, often referred to as "T-shirt plastic bags." By the late 1970s, these bags became common in retail stores. Retail giants like Kroger and Safeway adopted them, choosing for their affordability, waterproof features, and durability compared to paper alternatives. As plastic waste grew, environmental concerns prompted bans and regulations in cities such as San Francisco, with many states promoting recycling and restrictions to combat environmental harm.