Plastic Bags(2)

Since 2007, the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and Art have been discussing the way to deal with plastic management, but the outcomes are not as satisfactory as expected. During this period, much possible legislation was made, but eventually rejected by the party.

For instance, the authorities once tried to limit the use of plastic bags by imposing extra tax. However, this action finally failed to be conducted, since Peter Garratt, the minister argued that it could be seen as punishment to citizens using plastic bags, and shows no respect. Actually, similar actions were taken in Ireland many years ago, and once got much achievement. The amount of plastic bags decreased rapidly, but unfortunately gradually rose again.

If the way of imposing extra tax might not be efficient enough, there are still many other methods could be referred to.

1.     Giving penalty to the use of plastic bags.

This action has been widely taken in Canada. Citizens there are requested to bring recycled shopping bags with them, and none shopping malls are allowed to provide customers with plastic bags. A maximum of 1000CAD will be punished to any violators.

2.     Replacing plastic bags with recycled objects.

St. Francisco became the first city in America to cease the use of plastic bags. Shops would usually provide customers with recycled bags made from corns as replacement.

3.     Paying for plastic bags.

Not only in Germany, but also in many other countries like China provide citizens with opportunities to choose what kind of shopping bags they prefer to use. However, if plastic bag is selected, they have to pay specific money for it. The price would be accordance with the size of bags.

There must be some more smart ways for government to limit the use of plastic bags, and each of them could more or less reduce the negative impacts caused by plastic bags. Hope the Australian government could take actions on the management of plastic bags as soon as possible, and do not delay any more.

Reference:

http://www.ntepa.nt.gov.au/waste-pollution/plastic-bag-ban/enviroimpacts

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