WHILE visiting Singapore, I was disturbed to see plastic bags
being used indiscriminately and with abandon at several retail
outlets. Besides supermarkets, bakeries are among the worst
culprits. A popular local bread franchise dispenses a plastic bag
for each piece of pastry or bread. Even fast-food restaurants serve
their food in containers that appear to be non-biodegradable. The
multiplier effect of the unconscionable practice of using plastic
or its similar derivatives is unthinkable.
Singapore prides itself on being a green city, and its young are
educated in schools to respect the environment. Through several
public education programmes, the Government also seeks to enhance
its environmental friendliness.
It is unfortunate that local retail establishments have yet to
adopt environmentally friendly practices. Such practices could be
as simple as using thin paper bags for each piece of bread, or a
recycled paper bag for the outer carrier. Supermarkets could offer
sturdy recycled paper bags for free, and charge for each plastic
bag requested by the customer. I have found this policy to be very
effective overseas in controlling end-consumer plastic waste.
I look forward to hearing about the plans and ways in which the
Government and local retail franchises aim to promote the greening
of Singapore.
Andrew Wee