FAIRPRICE supermarkets have taken a step forward in installing
machines to recycle plastic bottles and tin cans ('FairPrice to add
recycling machines; last Friday). This will improve our record in
going green. No doubt the machines are expensive, but they will be
good for the earth in the long term.
However, I am puzzled that FairPrice is giving out coupons that
can be exchanged for bottled water, which runs counter to the green
drive.
FairPrice should merely give out cash vouchers that customers
can use for their next purchase. Even if the amount is small, the
move will not damage the environment, unlike offering bottled water
to customers.
In addition to installing recycling machines, we should levy a
'container deposit' fee, which should be added to the cost of the
product and refunded when the bottle is returned.
Some time ago, a provision store owner told me he was not taking
back empty beer bottles because the manufacturer's refund was
minimal and, in fact, people were not even handing in empty
bottles. Companies should levy a dollar for each bottle or can at
source, and retailers should be authorised to reimburse the
customer on the spot.
Murali Sharma
