In various cities and states, plastic bag bans have taken hold as a way to reduce pollution and prevent excess waste from harming the environment. But what differences have the laws made in helping curb pollution?

California makes a second stab at a ban that actually prohibits plastic bags at grocery stores. Here's what you need to know

Ten years ago, California became the first U.S. state to ban plastic bags. But over the next few years, the state’s landfills actually saw an increase in plastic waste. That’s because a loophole in the state’s bag ban allowed stores to continue offering plastic bags at checkout,