Plastic pollution is one of the most visible symbols of our environmental challenges—but a new study shows that smart policy can actually make a real difference. Researchers analyzed data from over 45,000 shoreline cleanups across the U.S. and found that bans and fees on plastic bags are working.

In areas where policies were in place, the number of plastic bags collected dropped by up to 47% compared to places with no such laws. On average, those regions saw at least a 25% decrease. And the impact was most notable in states—rather than just towns—where the policies had more widespread reach.

Even better: the laws were especially effective in places that previously had worse plastic bag pollution, showing that targeted action can help where it's needed most.

Of course, plastic bags are only one piece of the larger pollution puzzle. Overall plastic waste continues to rise, so these efforts are like patching a leak in a still-flooding boat. But still, progress is progress. With 175 countries soon to negotiate the world’s first global plastics treaty, this study sends a clear message: policy matters. And when we act collectively, we can clean up our world—one shoreline at a time.