All over the world, politicians and corporations are pondering banning or taxing plastic bags. A hefty surcharge in Ireland has spurred an almost complete shift to reusable cloth totes.

Plastic bags are also taxed in Italy and Belgium. Grocery shoppers must pay for the bags in Switzerland, Germany, and Holland. Spain, Norway, and the UK are considering a ban or tax as well.

The bags contribute to greenhouse gases, clog up landfills, litter streets and streams, and kill wildlife.