Reusable bags are still not as eco-friendly as recycled bags

Letter from Mariann Maes, Today Online 5 Jun 08;

I SHARE Daniel Lim’s concerns on reusable bags being non-biodegradable in “It’s all in the bags” (June 3) and would like to add some concerns on this issue.

I am a reformed user of plastic and paper bags, and I am using my reusable bags more often.

As much as I applaud the Government’s move to encourage the public to reduce their consumption of plastic bags, I am truly appalled at the number of reusable bags being rolled out for the campaign, and even more astounded by the sheer oblivion to the resources and energy wasted in making these bags.

The message that the National Environment Agency (NEA) has been sending out — use reusable bags to reduce the number of plastic bags — has been grossly skewed.

It started to produce reusable bags in large numbers and created a mad rush for manufacturers to cash in on this trend. In the end, an average shopper ends up with more reusable bags than needed.

Here are my concerns: Firstly, NEA has failed to remind the public that there is no need to buy reusable bags just to reduce the use of plastic bags. Any bag that anyone already has at home can be used for shopping needs. I’m sure every one of us has a decent bag at home. Why is there a need to waste natural resources to produce extra bags?

Secondly, the reusable bags produced by NEA and the supermarkets are not made of recycled materials. These days, recycled bags, :such as those made of hemp, are already available in the market. Why hasn’t NEA capitalised on this market trend to send this important message — use recycled products to reduce plastic bag usage — to the public?

My last comment is that to evoke a decreased use of plastic bags, the Government should really impose a legislation whereby customers have to pay for plastic bags.