Time to say a firm 'no' to plastic bags

The Straits Times;Published on Oct 25, 2011
Time to say a firm 'no' to plastic bags
WHILE living in Shanghai four years ago, I was amazed at how resolutely the authorities ended the use of plastic bags. The city's populace quickly adapted and most people began carrying their own bags whenever they went shopping.

A similar 'ban' has been successfully implemented in other Asian cities as well in the last few years, including Hong Kong and Penang. It baffles me that Singapore has done little to curb the use of plastic and to really embrace the 3Rs of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
There are two national icons that can lead the way in making a difference in turning Singapore into a greener nation.
The first is national carrier Singapore Airlines. On a recent flight, I was appalled at how much unnecessary waste was being created. These included paper menus and toiletry bags that were given to every passenger. Yes, these were nice touches, but certainly unfriendly to our environment.
SIA should stop giving out these bags, and consider featuring menus on the individual KrisWorld screens instead.
The second icon is NTUC FairPrice. Every time I shop there, I am amazed at the myriad number of bags given out. Certainly, the bring-your-own-bag effort is so anaemic that no one seems to even take it seriously.
FairPrice can set the pace by beginning to charge for bags instead of giving a paltry 10-cent rebate to those who bring their own.
If our iconic institutions start taking ownership and leadership, they can help create a new green culture. It is time to awaken our environmental conscience.
Catherine Ho Shull (Ms)
http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Story/STIStory_726801.html
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