Vermont could become the next state to ban single-use plastic bags – a move that could benefit promotional products distributors that sell into the Green Mountain State.

Both the state House and Senate in Vermont have approved a bill that would ban the bags and polystyrene food and drink containers, effective July 2020. The legislation would also make it illegal for restaurants to provide straws unless patrons request them.

After more than two hours of debate, the Vermont House just voted to ban plastic shopping bags, plastic stir sticks and sytrofoam food containers.

Here's the 120-24 vote --> https://t.co/hYiAtG4Ws2

— April McCullum (@april_mccullum) May 9, 2019

Vermont Gov. Phil Scott said that, before he decides whether or not to sign the bill into law, he first wants more input from the state’s retailers and grocers. Scott has also said he is not opposed to the bill.

The Vermont Retail & Grocers Association has said it would prefer any ban/restrictions to be imposed at the statewide level. The uniform approach is better than dealing with a hodge-podge of varying local municipal laws, the group believes.

"It sounds like the grocers and retailers are OK with this...They'll find other means of bagging your groceries." Good signs from @GovPhilScott as #Vermont House passes plastic bag ban. https://t.co/UdeN5HP2pu

— Nicholas Mallos (@NickMallos) May 13, 2019

Bans on single-use plastic bags have the potential to help stimulate sales of branded reusable options like totes and drawstring backpacks, which can help sales for promotional product distributors.

New York recently became the second state, after California, to pass a ban on single-use plastic bags. New Jersey is considering banning both plastic and paper bags.

More than 90 bills have been introduced in the U.S. this year regarding plastic bags, mostly to ban or place a fee on them, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The cities of Boston, Chicago and Seattle are among those that have already enacted bans of single-use bags. Hawaii effectively has a statewide ban because of county-level regulations throughout the island state.

The impetus for the bans is environmental. Proponents say plastic bags, in particular, degrade the environment, fuel the proliferation of litter and threaten wildlife. Similar criticisms are made of one-time-use plastic straws and polystyrene food and drink containers.