The high volume use of plastic carrier bags has become a topical issue. Whilst I realise that we do need to consider their impact upon the environment, I do not believe that plastic carrier bags should be banned in shops, or that a charge should be levied on them.
If these bags were banned, as they have been in the Devonshire town of Modbury , would-be customers would have to try to remember to take some sort of carrying device with them to the shops. More often than not, they would forget to do so. In time, no doubt it would become more of a habit, but how much more convenient it is to have bags readily available in shops for our purchases.
The shopper bag is now being promoted, but if you are going to a supermarket to do a large shop you would have to buy, and take, a number of these bags with you. An alternative option would be to use cardboard boxes, which for some people might be too heavy to lift when full.
If you buy a single item, which is too big for your shoulder bag (and if you've forgotten your shopper bag), you are going to want a bag to hide, for example, an embarrassing sanitary product, or a newspaper which is highly likely to transfer ink onto your hands.
I agree that some people use too many carrier bags, which they wouldn't need to do if they filled these bags to capacity. There is a lot of wastage in this respect. It would also help if more people saved their plastic carrier bags and returned them to a supermarket for recycling.
The issue of using plastic carrier bags is indeed problematic. I don't want to be made to feel guilty when I'm asked in a shop if I want a bag or not. When I reply, Yes,' I often catch a reproachful stare or hear a sniff of disapproval from the shop assistant. Many of us do want bags, especially for our food shopping. We don't want our goods to be rolling around loose in the boot of the car.
I believe that the process of producing plastic carrier bags is not environmentally friendly, and so this needs to be investigated. Charging for such bags is not a long-term solution, for the bags will still be being produced. Instead, strong paper carrier bags should be made available, which would be recyclable. This would be a positive way forward.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
