Taxing plastic bag use affects the poor

Clivebenss SG

Nov 9, 2011 - ST Forum

WHILE Singapore should not fall behind other nations in its responsibility to the Earth, the impact of pro-environment measures on the poor should not be forgotten ('Ban or tax use of plastic bags' by Mr Aloysius Foo; yesterday).

Banning or taxing the use of plastic bags would impose an additional expense on the poor, which, while small in absolute terms, is hardly minute to them. Comprehensive solutions, like plastic recycling, are fairer.

The technology is available for performing automated sorting and recycling of various types of plastics. Aside from being a more comprehensive and sustainable solution, with Singapore's high plastic consumption, building such a plant could even see us profitably supplying the manufacturing industries of our neighbours.

Jeremy Chen

mancha SG

Whatever happen to going to the market with a basket?

fibytprsu SG

Men will not carry baskets when they do marketing.

charlize SG

And the taxed money goes to?

fibytprsu SG

No prize for guessing.

sbst275 SG

Actually plastic bags aren't cheap these days.

Furthermore, the opp held states in M'sia and entire ROC has begun 'taxing' people or banned shopping bags to be used for grocery shopping

BanguIzai SG

Men will not carry baskets when they do marketing.

Just a mindset change may do.

fibytprsu SG

Just a mindset change may do.

Use it when needed. When I don't need I will tell cashiers not to give me. Save environment is the issue not so much about the cost.

Not possible to bring basket when some people sometimes do shopping impromptu when they are out of the house.

BanguIzai SG

Use it when needed. When I don't need I will tell cashiers not to give me. Save environment is the issue not so much about the cost.

Not possible to bring basket when some people sometimes do shopping impromptu when they are out of the house.

Same like me. Out of 5 times, 4 time I say no need. (Cos I usually got bag)

True to second paragraph.

Clivebenss SG

Same like me. Out of 5 times, 4 time I say no need. (Cos I usually got bag)

True to second paragraph.

Easy for old man to bring a tiffin or bag for makan and shopping. At least they just frown not stare.

fibytprsu SG

Easy for old man to bring a tiffin or bag for makan and shopping. At least they just frown not stare.

I brought tiffin old enough to be noticed to buy food. The hawker laughed at me. Said that is antique and old. Family used this many years and it will be a waste if I throw it away.