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to the Forum, The Straits Times , 1 Apr 05 Don't take more plastic bags than necessary I refer to the letter, "Use degradable plastic bags" (The Sunday Times, Mar 27). Many households in Singapore reuse plastic shopping bags for bagging refuse and other purposes. The bags, together with the refuse, are disposed of in inceneration plants and heat from the incineration process is used to generate electricity. Although we do not face the same problems as some countries which dispose of used plastic bags in landfills, we should not take more plastic bags from stores than is needed, in order to conserve resources and minimise waste. The National Environment Agency, the Singapore Retailers Association and the Singapore Environment Council started an educational drive in November 2002 to encourage the major retailers and shoppers to use fewer plastic bags. Ten major retailers participated in the drive. Educational posters with the message: "Let's use fewer plastic bags!" have been displayed at the checkout counters of their outlets. The current practice of issuing plastic bags "free" to customers means that the cost of providing the bags is ultimately passed on to all customers, regardless of the number of bags that they use. In some countries, such as Germany, Switzerland and Australia, stores charge customers for plastic bags. This is more equitably as customers pay for the bags that they use. This way, customers are encouraged to bring their own bags. So far, there is only one store in Singapore, a mini-mart, that charges customers for plastic bags. According to this store, most of its customers understand the merit of the practice. We urge shoppers not to take more plastic bags than necessary and to continue to reuse them. links More about plastic bags and other marine debris that threatens our marine wildlife on Coastal Clean Up Singapore Related articles on Singapore: plastic bags More articles on Singapore: general environmental issues |
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