Campaign launched to reduce usage of plastic bags
SINGAPORE : Why waste plastic bags when you can use a reusable one?
That's the message behind Singapore's first national campaign to cut down the use of plastic bags, reduce wastage and conserve the environment.
But it may take some time before Singaporeans bring their own bags or use reusable ones when shopping.
An average family in Singapore uses about 2,500 plastic bags a year.
The National Environment Agency says an average Singaporean uses about two plastic bags a day, twice that of an average American.
And unrecycled bags can find their ways into waterways, choke up drains which can lead to mosquito breeding.
So the agency hopes people will cut down on the use of plastic bags, especially if they are just buying a few items.
Retailers are also doing their part.
Mr Koh Kok Sin, Head of Operations Development at NTUC FairPrice, said: "We basically remind the customers whether they need the extra bag, and also to pack more things into the same bag."
Reusable bags have also been made available, as well as incentives like gifts and lucky draws for customers who bring their own bags.
Most shoppers welcome the move, but some still find it a hassle.
"I know it is bad for the earth, wastage of resources. But still I think unless everyone is doing it, then we will follow suit."
"We do not plan to go marketing. Not like last time when we carry a basket when we go to the market."
Environment and Water Resources Minister Yaacob Ibrahim, who launched the campaign, agreed it will take some time before mindsets change.
Dr Yaacob said: "It will be a slow start primarily because we are asking people to change habits - habits are very difficult to change.
"But we have also brought in the youths into the picture. At the same time, if we can start them young, it will be more long-lasting."
No target has been set even though the campaign hopes to reduce the 2.5 billion plastic bags used by Singaporeans each year.
NEA says the working committee will monitor and review feedback to the campaign in three months' time. - CNA/de
My Comments
What a brilliant idea. Too bad I am not in Singapore. I have often thought about doing this while shopping in the stores here. We have a nearby grocery store, Shrolings, and they usually ask whether I want paper or plastic. I can't even choose the more environmental sound "paper bag" as I don't drive, as such, by the time I walk home, the paper bag would give way. (And it has, and it wasn't fun at all to run around the road picking up the falling items!)
I have also contemplated bringing my own plastic bags but haven't gotten down to doing it, partly because I think the people at the store might think I am strange. Aside from Shroling, shopping at other stores, one always ends up accumulating tons of poor quality plastic bags. You definitely can't take these bag for a second shopping trip.
From my observation, New York is quite vigilant in its recycling programme. You get fined if you dispose your recyclables, with the rest of the trash. I would really love to see that sort of policies in place in Singapore, why, the rest of the world. Your average Ahmad doesn't know how sorely the environment is being strained now. Not many people really know that their actions have a direct impact on the current weather pattens, the so called natural disasters, are further worsened by the carelessness and greed of humans.
I love my modern comforts, don't mistake me. But, surely we can balance the ill effects of capitalism and modern living. One can't help but feel, especially while discussing the environment, that perhaps modernization has some regression built into as well. Ahh, I remember that poem. Let me look it up and share it in the next blog.
That's the message behind Singapore's first national campaign to cut down the use of plastic bags, reduce wastage and conserve the environment.
But it may take some time before Singaporeans bring their own bags or use reusable ones when shopping.
An average family in Singapore uses about 2,500 plastic bags a year.
The National Environment Agency says an average Singaporean uses about two plastic bags a day, twice that of an average American.
And unrecycled bags can find their ways into waterways, choke up drains which can lead to mosquito breeding.
So the agency hopes people will cut down on the use of plastic bags, especially if they are just buying a few items.
Retailers are also doing their part.
Mr Koh Kok Sin, Head of Operations Development at NTUC FairPrice, said: "We basically remind the customers whether they need the extra bag, and also to pack more things into the same bag."
Reusable bags have also been made available, as well as incentives like gifts and lucky draws for customers who bring their own bags.
Most shoppers welcome the move, but some still find it a hassle.
"I know it is bad for the earth, wastage of resources. But still I think unless everyone is doing it, then we will follow suit."
"We do not plan to go marketing. Not like last time when we carry a basket when we go to the market."
Environment and Water Resources Minister Yaacob Ibrahim, who launched the campaign, agreed it will take some time before mindsets change.
Dr Yaacob said: "It will be a slow start primarily because we are asking people to change habits - habits are very difficult to change.
"But we have also brought in the youths into the picture. At the same time, if we can start them young, it will be more long-lasting."
No target has been set even though the campaign hopes to reduce the 2.5 billion plastic bags used by Singaporeans each year.
NEA says the working committee will monitor and review feedback to the campaign in three months' time. - CNA/de
My Comments
What a brilliant idea. Too bad I am not in Singapore. I have often thought about doing this while shopping in the stores here. We have a nearby grocery store, Shrolings, and they usually ask whether I want paper or plastic. I can't even choose the more environmental sound "paper bag" as I don't drive, as such, by the time I walk home, the paper bag would give way. (And it has, and it wasn't fun at all to run around the road picking up the falling items!)
I have also contemplated bringing my own plastic bags but haven't gotten down to doing it, partly because I think the people at the store might think I am strange. Aside from Shroling, shopping at other stores, one always ends up accumulating tons of poor quality plastic bags. You definitely can't take these bag for a second shopping trip.
From my observation, New York is quite vigilant in its recycling programme. You get fined if you dispose your recyclables, with the rest of the trash. I would really love to see that sort of policies in place in Singapore, why, the rest of the world. Your average Ahmad doesn't know how sorely the environment is being strained now. Not many people really know that their actions have a direct impact on the current weather pattens, the so called natural disasters, are further worsened by the carelessness and greed of humans.
I love my modern comforts, don't mistake me. But, surely we can balance the ill effects of capitalism and modern living. One can't help but feel, especially while discussing the environment, that perhaps modernization has some regression built into as well. Ahh, I remember that poem. Let me look it up and share it in the next blog.
posted by Unconventionally_Urs @ 3:01 am
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