On a recent trip to Sweden I was introduced to their very effective method of dramatically limiting the use of plastic bags and removing their use from the psyche of Swedes. 
Plastic bags are available only for items that absolutely need them. Paper bags are purchased like any other item at the store and are extremely expensive on purpose. Reusable cloth bags are for sale at a deeply discounted rate being subsidized by paper bags. People naturally are  motivated to carry cloth bags with them to the store due to market forces. No new laws needed and plastic bags are largely a thing of the past due a thoughtful and intelligent process. Vermont should consider following suit.
Anders Holm
Portsmouth, N.H.