My home state introduced a plastic bag ban a couple of years back. It was acccompanied by a simple campaign that encouraged families to bring re-usable bags to the checkout counter when shopping for groceries. If you forget to bring bags, you can buy these re-usable canvas bags from the supermarket for around $1. Initially we all bought a bunch while our habits switched over, but this worked as the bags are useful anyway and most of us now keep some in the car and some in the pantry.
Thin supermarket bags were the focus of the ban.
Surprisingly after the ban a number of venues that sort of need plastic bags, eg for vegetables or takeout started sourcing 100% compostable bags that are allowed.
I didn't even know this solution existed before the ban.
There is a culture locally now to have reusable bags in the boot of your car and for a few items to just load up your arms.
It's been pretty successful and no-where near as interrupting as you'd imagine.
In Austin, TX (USA), one of the few progressive cities in Texas, a plastic bag ban was passed four years ago to much grumbling. AFAICT, the residents have adapted to it and the prices for reusable bags are quite reasonable.
Thin supermarket bags were the focus of the ban. Surprisingly after the ban a number of venues that sort of need plastic bags, eg for vegetables or takeout started sourcing 100% compostable bags that are allowed. I didn't even know this solution existed before the ban.
There is a culture locally now to have reusable bags in the boot of your car and for a few items to just load up your arms.
It's been pretty successful and no-where near as interrupting as you'd imagine.
Ref: http://www.zerowaste.sa.gov.au/plastic-bags