Many stores across the state have pulled the plug on plastic bags.

The state's leading grocery chains decided to stop offering plastic rather than charging a 10 cent state tax that took effect Thursday.

News 12 Connecticut's Mark Sudol was at the Big Y store in Stratford where paper bags are going for 10 cents each.

The state is trying to discourage the use of plastic bags because they are damaging to the environment. Most people News 12 spoke with seemed to be on board with the idea and came prepared with reusable bags.

Money spent on certain reusable bags at Big Y goes to a different charity every month.

The state estimates the bag fees will raise about $30.2 million in the current fiscal year and $26.8 million in 2020-21.