Last March, San Francisco passed innovative legislation that would see plastic bags banned from supermarkets by September 2007 and from pharmacies by early 2008. It was the first city in the United States to pass the legislation, with many people hoping other cities such as Los Angeles and New York would follow the example. Under the new laws, supermarkets have had to use either compostable bags made from corn starch, or recycled paper. Elsewhere in the world, Hong Kong, Israel, China and Melbourne, have all passed recent laws banning the supply of ‘free’ plastic bags to people. Instead, people who have not spent 99c on a green bag, or whom can’t locate their grade one cloth library bag, are charged a small fee for the privilege. This strategy is seen by many as the first step in these cities towards a total ban on plastic bags in the months and years ahead. As many people use plastic bags for rubbish bins at home, one would hope that both governments and corporations could ensure alternative bags are suitable for this use also.
With legislation having the affect of changing how citizens interact with their environment, it is easy to witness how overnight, society can change. I was born into a system of using plastic bags for groceries and small purchases. It’s taken twenty five years to start the process of phasing them out. Hopefully, by the time my children come into this world, they will be gone.
Think of the recent banning of incandescent light bulbs when I say this:
Instead of banning plastic, mandate biodegradability.
I use green bags 50% of the time because I still need something to put my rubbish into. I compost and recycle, but I still (unfortunately) produce waste.
IMHO you get much more traction when you don’t trash an industry but guide it.
I agree Daniel.