[notzane]

There’s been some research showing the effect you’re seeing is real.

> We estimate that CGB [carryout grocery bag] regulations lead to an average increase in purchased plastics of 127 pounds per store per month, ranging from 30 to 135 (37–224) pounds for 4-gallon (8-gallon) trash bags.

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10640-022-00646-5