Last year, the plastics industry thwarted a bag ban in Seattle—but the idea is gaining traction throughout Cascadia. Portland has gotten serious about it, but is holding off in hopes of a statewide provision. And the California legislature is looking at AB 1998—which inspired the video below.

Without further ado, a look into the life of a plastic bag as it makes its way from the harsh urban landscape to its natural home in the Pacific Ocean: