Pay for recycling plastic bags
Glad to see that we, as an environmentally concerned society, are finally addressing the effects that plastic bags have on the environment ("Save your life", Gulf News, March 23).
The recent reports have definitely made us, as a family, conscious regarding usage of plastic bags and we have since switched to eco-friendly bags.
Other than these and paper bags, I sincerely believe that something needs to be done as thousands if not millions of plastic bags are already in circulation.
During a recent trip to Los Angeles, US, I was impressed to find plastic bag recycling machines located at major supermarkets and prime locations of the city.
The system is simple and very effective - you feed your empty plastic bags in the machine and receive cash, based on weight, in return. Not much granted but enough to encourage people to recycle.
From Mr Jacques Victor Deneault
Sharjah
The plastic truth
I've realised a basic truth - we are responsible for global warming and the pollution that leads to it. The waste thrown into the open is one of the factors of air pollution. The alarming use of polythene bags is even more dangerous.
These bags are non-biodegradable and hence do not decompose easily. Burning such bags, releases damaging gases that deplete the ozone layer. Colourful polythene bags are more dangerous as they contain amounts of lead and cadmium.
Cadmium, if burnt produces hydrogen cyanide that causes cancer. I say this as a student studying the topic. Let's avoid plastic and encourage companies that have taken the initiative.
From Mr Rajkumar V. Sharma
Dubai
Save forests
When we use plastic bags we save forests. I say this as I have seen some stores advertise paper bags as an alternative to bags made from plastic. In my opinion, cloth bags are a better alternative.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Better than best
As per the law in South Africa, legislated three years ago, only biodegradable bags can now be used in supermarkets. These special biodegradable plastics cost about double the price of normal plastics, are much thinner and turn to dust in a few months if left outside in the sun as the plastic is made to be susceptible to UV degradation.
Although this may not be the perfect solution, at least you do not have plastic bags lasting for decades on end.
It is worth noting that there was immense pressure from the supermarkets and plastic manufacturing industries prior to the implementation, as there was a huge investment required for equipment and the existing machinery could not make a thinner version of the normal plastic bags.
From Mr Kevin Bohling
UAE
Support
Sikkim, a small state in North East India, has banned the use of plastic for the past six years. Stores use paper bags instead - a heavy fine is imposed for perpetrators that use plastic bags. The same can be done to further support the campaign.
From Ms Neeta Mundra
Dubai
Part of life
I appreciate Gulf News' campaign against plastic bags and the concern shown in dealing with environmental issues. However, I have some apprehension regarding the over emphasis given to total elimination of plastic bags.
Plastic bags are harmful but no natural vegetation or fauna is threatened unless we dispose plastic carelessly. More paper bags means cutting more trees. Plastic has become an unavoidable part of our life due to its low cost and versatility.
They should be designed in such a way so as to reuse them many times before discarding. Throwing plastic bags in water bodies and desert should be banned and recycling encouraged.
From Mr Jacob H. Thomas
UAE
Positive
My home country of Ireland was one of the first countries to introduce payment for plastic bags, and it has had a very positive effect on the environment.
There has been a noticeable clean up of our roads and landscaped area, with less plastic bags dumped or thrown in public spaces. This should be encouraged.
The retailer that goes towards recycling activities for a greener environment charges a levy. Hopefully the UAE will move in this direction and win the population over.
From Mr Noel
Abu Dhabi
Website comment
Great move
Most of the hypermarkets do not support this move. On a recent visit to Kochi, in India, I found a super market giving cash back in the form of a rupee per purchase value of Rs100 to people bringing in their own shopping bags. I think it is a great move and should be encouraged here as well.
From Mr P. K. V. Anwar
Al Ain
Smart tips
Gulf News highlights the plastic problem in the UAE again, fortunately. I would like to add that the plastic bags are not the only plastic problem. One can see many plastic bottles in the areas surrounding water bodies such as lakes!
If your plastic bottle is empty, you can re-use it at least five times. We just put a line on the lid for every time it is reused.
A lot of schools have recycling centres that accept deposit of empty plastic bottles, cans and paper. Certain stores have a collection point for glass and sell 100 per cent biodegradable garbage bags.
These are more expensive than normal garbage bags, but if you stop throwing cans and empty bottles into your garbage container, your amount of garbage would be lesser anyway.
From Ms Marijke Ransijn
Dubai
Excellent move
I think this is an excellent move and extend my support to the campaign. I shall try my best to avoid using plastic bags and hope to continue the same if ever I move out of the UAE.
This move helps me recall a time when as a child, I was encouraged to use cloth bags for shopping. It's nice to get back to good old habits.
Public awareness along with support from government agencies, local supermarkets and retailers can help make this a successful campaign.
From Ms Sucharitra Jena
Al Ain
Minimum use
I feel that charging the customer for plastic bags is not appropriate, as every commodity has become dearer compared to earlier times.
Alternatively, the supermarkets should instruct staff at the counter to utilise the minimum number of plastic bags.
From Mr Mathews
Dubai
Website comment
