Finally, Bring-your-own-bag-day has increased its frequency from once-a-month to a weekly affair.
Admittedly, this did bring a little cheer within, but still I'm confused at the apparent half-heartedness of the authorities on this effort.
Look at both developed and developing countries around the world. Their anti-plastic-bags effort are way above us. Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Australia, Dubai, US, South Africa, etc have a set of policies with regards to being environment-friendly and their efforts towards anti-plastic bags are more proactive. Even China had recently announced a ban on plastic bags. This shows that not only First World countries are pushing for the cause.
Granted, it is too far-fetched to expect people to wake up to the Environment suddenly, but with some push by the relevant authorities, it can gradually be accepted as a way of life--a habitual one.
It is said that on average, each SINGAPOREAN uses 2 plastic bags per day. This ranks among the highest per capita rate in the world. Other developed First World countries like the US have a rate of 0.8 or so. Some just slightly above 1. If we were to just take 1 less each day, the effect would be a multiplied one.
If you aren't aware,
1. 1 million plastic bags are used and discarded worldwide every minute of the day.
2. Single use plastic bags made of HDPE remain in the environment for up to approx. 1,000 years.
3. Over 100,000 birds, whales, seals and turtles worldwide are killed by plastic rubbish every year.
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The next time you buy something, don't ask for a bag. Put more items into one, if really required.
And certainly, it's high time for usage of plastic bags to be charged. We have to take into account the social cost of such an undesirable.
人生是黑白的.
12:17 AM <3
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