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Plastic Bag Surcharge Targets Islands Garbage Disposal Problems

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Posted: 15 Nov 2009 | 1:51 pm

Phuket's new plastic bag surcharge which will come into effect on December 5 is targeting a reduction of substantial levels of garbage for the island. With support by the Provincial Government and major retailers including Tesco Lotus, Big C, Jungceylon and Central consumers will pay a 2 Baht per bag surcharge in a similar campaign as the mandatory plan adopted in Hong Kong this year.

Shoppers will be encouraged to bring their own reusable and environmentally friendly shopping bags and organizers hope this new initiative will assist in reducing the current rising overload at the islands main incinerator and overflow into landfill areas.

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If you read my articles about Plastic Planet this 2 THB charge is no more than a hit with a cooked noodle in your face. O.K. if a bag would cost about 10 THB people might realize that they need to change something - like putting more stuff in one bag. But this will not change their habitat. If the gouvernment orders pictures with deathly ill people on cigarette packs, why they don't force the industry to print slogans like,,today you carry me - tomorrow you drink me,, on plastic bags. Many examples show that education will bring much better results than penalty fees.

Andreas Ruthe, 17 Nov 2009 | 6:28 pm

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