According to a 2020 study by the Columbia Climate Institute, plastic bags are typically made of high-density polyethylene or low-density polyethylene. Both plastics are reusable and recyclable. The plastic bag is extremely light in weight and has a strong carrying capacity. Banning plastic bags would also impose a slight financial burden on Colorado grocers, since plastic bags are less expensive than paper bags or reusable alternatives.

In addition to the original cost, the reusable bags need to be washed with precious fresh water to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria. Reusable bags can be an environmentally friendly investment that some people are not ready to make. Those who have committed themselves to having reusable bags have already done so.

To make matters worse, plastic bags are being replaced by paper bags. Paper bags have a significantly lower carrying capacity than plastic bags and require more energy to produce. A study by the Danish Ministry of Environment and Food found that an ordinary paper bag would have to be reused 43 times to match the environmental impact of a lightweight plastic bag. Increased use of paper bags, for example caused by plastic bag bans, could lead to increased deforestation.

Paper bags do biodegrade, but biodegradation of paper in landfills produces dangerous levels of methane, which contributes to global warming. Studies have also shown that the biodegradation process of paper and paper products slows down in landfills.

According to the "Washington Post" analysis, paper bag production causes 50% more water pollution and 70% more air pollution than plastic bags, causing more harm to humans and the environment.

Banning plastic bags might seem like a good solution to Colorado's litter problem, but the impact of the ban could hurt a wide variety of individuals and communities. That's not to say ditching plastic bags in favor of paper or reusable bags is always a burden, but the decision must be made on an individual basis, not enforced by governments.