Education is better than plastic bag levy
Secretary for the Environment Wong Kam-sing is likely to be reappointed for another term, serving in Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor’s administration [pending Beijing’s approval of the new cabinet]. I have no objection to this, but do have strong reservations about the plastic bag levy which was fully implemented in 2015 [following the first phase launched in 2009].
I am sure many citizens have, like me, witnessed the confusion and angry exchanges that have resulted from the 50-cent levy at, for example, fashion boutiques, cake shops, shoe shops, snack shops and department stores. Let me make it clear that it is not the 50 cents that matters, which no one really minds paying. But what makes shoppers mad is the huge inconvenience caused by the policy. I have found that some large fashion chains no longer give out plastic bags, and give customers paper bags instead. Often the bags are sizeable, meaning if I buy a belt, I have to put it in the large bag and fit it into my tiny handbag.
Not all women carry suitcases or shopping bags when they are out. Not everyone takes an eco-friendly bag when they go to the shops. Also, if you buy something new, you like to put it in a brand new bag, not an eco-bag. I once saw a woman having a row at a snack shop, after the cashier told her she could either pay for a plastic bag or put her snacks in her handbag.
What infuriated the shopper was why “she had to bother with” paying just to get her snacks properly put in a bag – a basic service for any customer. There have also been reports in the Chinese press about customers venting their frustrations against sales persons.
Let me stress it is not that they don’t want to pay 50 cents, but that they are deprived of the choice of a plastic bag, which is lighter and takes up much less space. Many, including myself, do take paper bags sometimes or just put stuff in our handbag – depending on what we buy. Having a choice is always key to a happy shopping experience.
I urge the new administration to scrap the ridiculous policy which is nothing but a nuisance. Public education, not a levy, is the best way to encourage environmentally-friendly behaviour.