Some reusable bag makers in California were pleased when voters affirmed the state’s single use plastic bags ban in November 2016, but hesitant to attribute their successes and steady revenue to the bill itself. However, Lotus Trolley Bag based in Carlsbad was inspired to start its business because of the law. Jen and Farzan Dehmoubed, the husband and wife team before Lotus Trolley Bag, paid close attention to consumer behavior after the ban went into effect. They observed grocery shoppers struggling with multiple bags under their arms or taking up space in their cart. At checkout, they saw bags not propping up easily, bags being placed on the floor, and customers forgetting their bags altogether. They thought consumers lacked shopping processes that were organized, fast, and easy.
