Plastic Bags
The article addresses the popularly debated issue of reducing the use of plastic bags in all kinds of stores that give out free plastic bags as carriers, especially supermarkets in Singapore. No government legislation has been implemented in Singapore so far to make it compulsory for retailers to charge customers on plastic bags, which has already been done in a few Asian countries. However, environmental agencies have been urging Singapore government to do the same while the government is encouraging big retailers to take the initiative to start charging for plastic bags.
The article explores options that could be adopted in Singapore to reduce plastic bag usage. Like in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Malaysia, an environmental levy can be imposed on plastic bags issued by retailers. The merit of this government rule is to encourage consumers to bring their own reusable bags to supermarkets and subsequently cutting down on the number of plastic bags discarded. An environmental group, Greeners Action, has observed 56 percent more Hong Kong consumers bringing their own bags for shopping than that before the levy is imposed (Ians 2009). Government could eventually use the environmental levy collected for good environmental causes such as clearing landfills. However, Singapore government adopts the approach of encouraging retailers to voluntarily charge on plastic bags to be more environmental friendly.
It is more expected from the retailers themselves to take the initiative to charge for plastic bags. The merit of this measure is similar, which is to cut down on the plastic bags used and discarded. Implementing such measures could also add an advantage to the companies since it demonstrates firm stand for environmental conservation, which is also a form of branding to attract environmentally-conscious consumers. However, it is difficult for some retailers to initiate the move to stop providing free plastic bags. Unlike Ikea and Bossini which are worldwide established
The article explores options that could be adopted in Singapore to reduce plastic bag usage. Like in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Malaysia, an environmental levy can be imposed on plastic bags issued by retailers. The merit of this government rule is to encourage consumers to bring their own reusable bags to supermarkets and subsequently cutting down on the number of plastic bags discarded. An environmental group, Greeners Action, has observed 56 percent more Hong Kong consumers bringing their own bags for shopping than that before the levy is imposed (Ians 2009). Government could eventually use the environmental levy collected for good environmental causes such as clearing landfills. However, Singapore government adopts the approach of encouraging retailers to voluntarily charge on plastic bags to be more environmental friendly.
It is more expected from the retailers themselves to take the initiative to charge for plastic bags. The merit of this measure is similar, which is to cut down on the plastic bags used and discarded. Implementing such measures could also add an advantage to the companies since it demonstrates firm stand for environmental conservation, which is also a form of branding to attract environmentally-conscious consumers. However, it is difficult for some retailers to initiate the move to stop providing free plastic bags. Unlike Ikea and Bossini which are worldwide established