Another Island Working to Limit Plastic Bags

Insider Story Locations

Find our most recent stories tagged by their locations. Click here for more story locations.

Posted: 21 Jun 2009 | 12:19 am

Another island in Asia is doing its bit to clean up its fragile environment, with Hong Kong (okay so not all of HK is an island) introducing legislation that requires many retailers to charge for plastic bags. This is expected to be a major deterrent for shoppers to take bags with expectations of curbing consumption. The use of recycled bags and reusable ones is already seeing wide use.

Formally known as the Product Eco-responsibility Ordinance this is only a first phase with other initiatives in the works for recycling of old electrical products and appliances. Speaking to a friend we mused that when you buy mobile phones, items like chargers and batteries often have unique specifications and are rendered useless once you purchase a newer model. Recycling of these is one answer but also raising universal standards to manufacturers is more worthy since it addresses the problem at the point of origin.

Driving around Phuket I remain stunned by the number of plastic bags thrown by the road and just one trip to Lotus or Central can produce a double digit proliferation of bags. Hong Kong is setting a good example on effective legislation that could become a great example for Thailand or even on a provincial level.

DO YOU LIKE THIS?

Hi Bill, The summer in Phuket organisers of which i am one have initiated a discussion with the TAT Phuket who are behind it and we are having discussions with the major Phuket retailers . The initiative will launch during July. China has also done it, reducing bag usage from 60bn in 2007 to 20bn last year, and accelerated reductions by hiring 600,000 officers to target the country areas, with ability to fine vendors who give them away as much as USD1,500 for infringement. This will take hold here on our island this year, with long lasting and far reaching eco-effects. BIS have a Petition online.
http://petitionspot.com/petitions/plasticfreethailand
I meet with BIS tomorro on this Plastic bag issue.
Bill Barnett responds:
Good work.

Nick Anthony, 23 Jun 2009 | 11:45 am

In australia retailers sell reusable bags at checkouts at a very cheap price they are made of recyclable material and can be used many times

Bill Barnett responds:
Yes recyclable bags would be a welcome addition here as they can be produced at a very low cost.

Peter Allen, 21 Jun 2009 | 1:47 pm

Bill,
It's not just about unsightly plastic bags, but the need for everyone to reduce and recycle all Phuket waste. If you think plastic bags are a problem, take a trip to the Saphan Hin waste mountain. Check the dying mangroves. Breathe the air . . . apocalypse now.

Bill Barnett responds:
Good point, thanks.

Alan, 21 Jun 2009 | 10:09 am