Rhode Island's ban on single-use plastic bags begins Jan. 1

Rhode Island's statewide ban on plastic bags goes into effect on Monday. Some stores like Market Basket will give out paper bags, which are recyclable. In a statement, Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Director Terry Gray said: "Eliminating the retail distribution of single-use plastic bags helps prevent litter and plastic debris from entering Narragansett Bay and our local waters, which are central to the Ocean State’s environment, way of life, and economy." State Rep. Carol McEntee, who sponsored the bill, said: “Rhode Islanders can make a tangible difference in...