Some things feel so normal that it’s hard to imagine them disappearing. But laws change, sometimes faster than people expect. What’s common today might be off-limits tomorrow, whether for health, safety, or environmental reasons.
In this post, we look at 16 everyday things that could be next on the chopping block.
Gas Stoves
Cooking with an open flame has been the standard for generations, but that might not last forever. Concerns about air pollution and respiratory health have sparked debates over whether gas stoves should be phased out.
Some cities have already started banning them in new buildings, and federal regulations could follow.
Plastic Utensils
Many states have already started cracking down on single-use plastics, and disposable utensils could be next. Environmental groups argue that plastic forks and spoons contribute to pollution, clogging landfills and harming wildlife. If more states follow suit, grabbing a plastic fork with your takeout could become a thing of the past, forcing people to either bring their own or adapt to biodegradable options.
Flavored Vapes
Regulators have been coming down hard on vaping, especially flavored varieties that appeal to younger users. While some states have banned certain flavors, there’s growing talk of a nationwide crackdown. Lawmakers argue that fruity and dessert-flavored vapes hook teens and contribute to addiction, making them a target for stricter regulations.
Tanning Beds
Artificial tanning has been under scrutiny for years, with experts warning about its link to skin cancer. Some places already restrict minors from using tanning beds, but a full ban isn’t out of the question. Dermatologists and health officials have been pushing for stricter rules, arguing that the risks outweigh the benefits.
If public pressure keeps building, tanning salons might eventually face the same fate as indoor smoking – restricted or completely outlawed in most places.
Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers
Loud, smoky, and a major source of neighborhood complaints, gas-powered leaf blowers have already been banned in some areas. Cities looking to cut down on noise pollution and air pollution are considering making the bans more widespread. Battery-powered alternatives are getting better and more affordable, making it easier for lawmakers to push for a full phase-out.
Red Dye 3
This artificial food coloring has been controversial for decades, with studies linking it to health concerns. While it’s already banned in cosmetics, it’s still used in some candies, snacks, and processed foods.
If the FDA takes action, Red Dye 3 could join the list of ingredients that are no longer allowed in the U.S., forcing food manufacturers to find alternative colorings.
Phone Use While Walking
Looking at a phone while crossing the street seems harmless, but some cities see it as a safety risk. Pedestrian deaths have been rising, and distracted walking is being blamed as one of the causes. A few places have already experimented with fines for texting while walking in busy areas.
If the numbers keep climbing, more cities might start enforcing similar rules, making it illegal to stare at a screen while stepping into traffic.
Sugary Energy Drinks
Some countries have already restricted sales to minors, and lawmakers in the U.S. have started discussing similar measures. Health experts argue that high caffeine levels can lead to heart issues and anxiety, while the sugar content isn’t doing anyone any favors.
Paper Receipts
With digital payments becoming the norm, those long, ink-heavy paper receipts might not be around much longer. Several states have already proposed laws that would require businesses to offer electronic receipts instead of printed ones unless customers specifically ask for them. Environmental concerns are a big factor – receipts contribute tons of waste each year, and many are coated in chemicals that make them hard to recycle.
Glitter
It might seem harmless, but glitter is basically tiny pieces of plastic that never break down. Environmental activists have been pushing for restrictions on microplastics, and some companies have already started phasing out traditional glitter in favor of biodegradable options.
Should stricter environmental regulations come into play, standard glitter could disappear from craft stores and party decorations, making way for more eco-friendly alternatives.
Drive-Thrus in Certain Areas
Fast food drive-thrus are convenient, but some cities see them as a problem. Traffic congestion, noise pollution, and concerns about pedestrian safety have led to restrictions in certain areas. Some places have already banned new drive-thrus from being built, especially in downtown areas.
Diesel Cars
As electric cars gain popularity and emissions regulations get tougher, diesel-powered vehicles are facing increasing scrutiny.
Major car manufacturers are shifting away from diesel models, signaling that it may only be a matter of time before they’re no longer an option in the U.S.
TikTok (Again)
The debate over banning TikTok has been going on for years, with concerns over data privacy and national security fueling the discussion. While previous attempts haven’t succeeded, lawmakers continue to push for restrictions or even a full ban.
If the government finally follows through, users in the U.S. might find themselves cut off from one of the most popular social media platforms – unless the company agrees to major changes in how it operates.
Gas Stations in City Centers
As more cities push for greener transportation, traditional gas stations are starting to look like relics of the past. Some places have already stopped approving new gas stations in downtown areas, encouraging electric vehicle charging stations instead.
If this trend continues, future city centers could be entirely free of gas pumps, forcing drivers of traditional cars to refuel in the suburbs or make the switch to electric sooner than expected.
Foam Takeout Containers
Many restaurants still use foam containers for takeout, but that might not last much longer. Because foam doesn’t break down easily, clogs landfills, and harms wildlife, some businesses have switched to compostable or recyclable alternatives. However, a full nationwide ban could push the rest to follow suit.
Loud Car Exhausts
And finally, police departments in several states are cracking down on excessive vehicle noise, using sound cameras and stricter fines to catch offenders. Enthusiasts argue it’s part of car culture, but lawmakers see it as unnecessary noise pollution.