Plastic use has increased dramatically over the past twenty years. The United States is one of the world's largest consumers of plastics and produces more plastic waste than any other country. Plastic bag bans in New York and New Jersey are steps in the right direction, but more is required at the local, state, and federal levels to tackle this monumental issue. This panel will discuss the problems and solutions at the local level and explore efforts from around the nation and the world that can serve as examples of a path toward comprehensive regional solutions.