> it's totally impossible to come up with realistic estimates for something like plastic bag waste.
If it is, then it's also totally impossible to show that plastic bags are harming the environment enough to make draconian regulation a net gain.
In other words, the real purpose of the regulation is an arbitrary exercise of power: some people just can't help telling other people what to do, and when those people get to write laws and regulations, this is what you get. "Saving the environment" is just the latest ad hoc justification.
If it is, then it's also totally impossible to show that plastic bags are harming the environment enough to make draconian regulation a net gain.
In other words, the real purpose of the regulation is an arbitrary exercise of power: some people just can't help telling other people what to do, and when those people get to write laws and regulations, this is what you get. "Saving the environment" is just the latest ad hoc justification.