Is there a ban on plastic bags? Share your opinions too!

@Sreekala (34314)
India
April 20, 2009 6:06am CST
Dear friends, We know that Plastic is used worldwide for packaging of medicines, life-saving drugs, packaging of food items and a wide range of personnel care products. According to experts use of plastic may creates some hazards too. It will pollute environment, because plastic is not biodegradable, when buried plastic will choke the drainages, when burnt plastics will emit poisonous gases etc. Plastic is banned in many places including our place (Delhi). There were demonstrations even in school and kids made banners like ‘Do not to use plastic bags, Use Paper bags or Jute bags’. My son explained me the problems of plastic bags and how it affect on animals etc. (I felt happiness, the younger generation is learning many good things). But there is a different opinion with the ban too. According to some NGOs plastic bags are not harmful and they arguing that no product can replace the use of plastic. What is your opinion in this regard? Do you think that ban on plastic bags will reduce the environmental pollution? What about the status of your place, Is there a ban on plastic?
4 people like this
29 responses
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
20 Apr 09
We don't have a ban here but there is a big push to use cloth shopping bags. I bought a couple for a dollar apiece and when I remember to take them I like them much better than plastic. They don't tear and I don't have tons of bags at home taking up space. I re-use them for trash can liners and garbage bags. We have a problem with littering and everything your son said is true except that they do biodegrade eventually.
2 people like this
@Sreekala (34314)
• India
21 Apr 09
Hi dragon54u, I think we have to make habit of carrying our own cloth bags so that we can avoid using plastic bags. But the problem is all of a sudden we decide to purchase something then we don’t have a carry bag and should depend on the plastic bag which is available at shops. I think people are become lazy too to carry their own bags. How are you? Hope you are doing well? Many thanks for sharing your ideas. Happy posting.
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
21 Apr 09
I'm not lazy, I just forget! However, I have taken my re-usable bags and put them by the back door so I'll remember to take them to my car--thanks to you!
1 person likes this
@Sreekala (34314)
• India
4 May 09
I know you are not lazy but hard working, I said in general. Thanks again.
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
20 Apr 09
Hi Sreekala, Although there is no ban on plastic bags where I live, it is becoming a big concern.People are now being asked to provide their own cloth bags that can be used over and over again. There is also now a charge for plastic bags as a further incentive for people to stop using them. I feel that this should have started ten years ago but I guess it's better late than never. Blessings.
2 people like this
@Sreekala (34314)
• India
24 Apr 09
Hi, I think people should realize themselves about the disadvantages. If they can change themselves then there is no necessity of any ban. But the sad part is people won't realize or change by themselves. I think it will take long time more for a change among people. Many thanks for sharing your thoughts; and blessings too.
• United States
20 Apr 09
They have not banned plastic bags here yet. Though some stores give you a discount if your bring your own bags. Other stores charge you to buy a bag weather it be paper or plastic if you didn't bring your own or bring a box. I just think we've become too reliant on plastic and need to move back to more friendly materials like glass & cardboard.
@Sreekala (34314)
• India
21 Apr 09
Hi 3snugglebunnies, It is a good idea to give discounts to those who carry their own bags. I think it can encourage the people to bring bags with them. Many thanks for sharing your views. Happy posting.
1 person likes this
@ada547612 (203)
• China
20 Apr 09
Our country is now on the restrictions on the use of plastic bags, the original, we go to the supermarket to buy things are sent to a plastic bag, and now must use the money to buy this, on the reduction of waste, palyed the role of environmental protection. Indeed, the plastic gas released by burning harmful. Therefore, we should support the move, support for environmental protection.
2 people like this
@Sreekala (34314)
• India
23 Apr 09
Hi ada547612, That means you are supporting the ban. Yes we should protect the environment and this move is a good one. Thanks for sharing your view point. Happy posting.
@jakill (835)
20 Apr 09
We don't have a ban, and you can still get your free plastic bags in most supermarkets and small shops. But using them is frowned on. When the whole debate got hot here, it seemed that overnight everyone started to take their own bags to the shops. Then of course some of the producers of the bags started to feel the heat. Someone always has to suffer. But there is a big environmental issue on the use of plastic bags, and it's right to highlight that and encourage people to do something about it.
@Sreekala (34314)
• India
21 Apr 09
Hi Jakill, We have a ban on plastic here, still it is easily available everywhere. But shop keepers are showing a notice that 'We do not provide carry bags and you should bring your carry bags from home..' I think the government is also in confusion because there are different opinions about the ban and government appointed a committee for studying and submitted the report and according to that committee ‘a complete ban on plastic is not possible’. But the hazards is high in the capital, like drainage are getting blocked, animals caught with problems etc. Many thanks for sharing your opinion.
1 person likes this
@opalina143 (1240)
• Morristown, New Jersey
20 Apr 09
It's true that plastic bags are very bad for the environment, but when it comes to shopping or taking out the garbage, plastic bags are much better, because they are stronger and can hold much more, plus they are easier to carry. Also they are waterproof. How can you throw garbage out in a paper bag wouldn't it just seep through and make a mess? I can't imagine life without plastic bags when I think of it, though I guess its something like gas (emissions from cars are bad too) that is bad for the environment but necessary for modern life.
2 people like this
@Sreekala (34314)
• India
21 Apr 09
Hi opalina, Yes it is true that plastic bags are very useful for us. But it creates problems in highly populated areas especially people are least bothered about environment and just throwing away the plastic bags without considering the place where they stand. Dust bins are placed everywhere but nobody bothered to use the same. These plastic materials are so light that they are carried away by the speed of the moving vehicle, wind etc., scattered all over, making the surroundings look ugly. There are instances wherein these materials have clogged the underground drains. Many thanks for sharing your thoughts.
1 person likes this
@Lindalinda (4111)
• Canada
20 Apr 09
Plastig bags are really bad for the environment. They choke and kill wildlife, they polute the waterways, oceans and parks. I live in Canada and I believe this is the first country that put a ban on plastic baby bottles. Plastic also gives off toxic substances when heated up such as microwave containers and plastic wrap used to cover dishes in the microwave oven. One should use paper towels. We are charged 5 cents a bag in the grocery store if we don't bring our own shopping bags. I prefer the bags made from recycled plastic, jute bags, linen bags or canvas bags. However, there are still many small stores and convenience stores who package everything you buy in plastic bags and don't charge for them. There are biodegradable plastic bags but they are expensive. There is some use for plastic. For instance to tightly wrap medicines to protect them from insects or being tampered with but we should use plastic very sparingly and should educate the NGO's that there are indeed alternatives.
@Sreekala (34314)
• India
21 Apr 09
Hi Linda, I agree with your arguments. Actually it is heated issue now and it is true that a complete ban on plastic is not possible else it will take a long time to be practical because people are so depended on plastic. Let us see how the ban will works in future. Many thanks for sharing your thoughts.
1 person likes this
@riyasam (16556)
• India
28 Apr 09
there is ban on plastic bags here in mumbai also especially after the july 26 deluge where the main cause cited was that the drainage system in and around the mithi river is being choked by the plastic bags but now again people are becoming callous and are trying to use the plastic bags trying to evade the attention of police.
1 person likes this
@Sreekala (34314)
• India
13 May 09
Hi Riya, Alice has commented properly and I agree with her. We should realize the problems and need a change of our attitude. Then only we can improve, our country can improve. Thanks for the participation riya.
1 person likes this
• India
20 Apr 09
There is a ban on the use of plastics in Kolkata but like everything else, it has little teeth and plastic is used everywhere. This controversy reminds me of days when in India there was no plastic bags and the corner shop would give things in paper packets (recycled from old newspapers) and we went to shop with a strong cloth bag. Plastic is really a western phenomena and now again they want us to do away with plastic and again we are dancing to their tune. While it is true that plastic has environmental hazards, before doing away with them we must remember the people who make plastic bags in small factories…they will be out of jobs! So ideally some arrangement needs to be made for them before banning plastic bags.
2 people like this
@Sreekala (34314)
• India
20 Apr 09
Hi Sudipta, You have mentioned about both, advantages and disadvantages. Actually the NGO are coming against the ban on the same reason I think, many may get jobless. A panel of Committee reported to government that a complete ban on plastic is not possible. I agree with you the government should do something to help both ways and reduce the problems by using plastic bags. Happy posting.
2 people like this
@dpk262006 (58673)
• Delhi, India
21 Apr 09
Hi! Sree! I support your idea that there should be ban on cheap plastic bags. It is well known that cheap plastic could be harmful to animals and it does not come in the category of biodegradable waste. It mostly gets burried under the ground or it gets accumulated in big drains causing lot of hazards. However, it is difficult to find a substitute for plastic bag, it is equally true. You always cannot carry your jute or cloth bag to the market because sometimes you buy products all of sudden, without any pre-planning. Either the showsroom owners or the shopkeepers selling goods should keep low cost cloth or jute bag so that the consumer does not face any trouble in carrying the commodities. Some of the products cannot be carried in hands, therefore, some carry bag either made of cloth/jute or paper is essential. For example, you cannot carry curd, milk or eggs in your hands without any bag/container. I feel that those concerned with the plastic industry and those who know the technical know how should develop a kind of plastic which could be reused without any hassels. I feel thik micron/quality plastic carry bags are better and those could be re-used for a longer duration. An excellent post!
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58673)
• Delhi, India
29 Apr 09
Hi! Sree! I endorse your views that 'awareness' is more important than ban. We should be able to spread more awareness than imposing a blanket ban on the plastic, ban on any product sometimes proves counter-productive.
1 person likes this
@Sreekala (34314)
• India
1 May 09
Many are responded that they don't have a ban in their place then also they are trying to reduce the use of plastic and shop keepers are giving incentives to those who bring their own bags and charging extra from those are not carrying.. I think the Indian view points are different. We can do right things only if there is a force by law (violation of law is common that is another subject). I would like to add one thing which is shared by one of my colleague who visited abroad in relation with his Ph.D. He told me that (I can't remember the place) no power cut in that place, instead they announcing/requesting for switch off all the lights, fans and all electric appliances, by hearing the announcement they simply switch off everything and struggling with hot. You just imagine it happens in India.. that is why we are facing power cuts .. bans etc.
@Sreekala (34314)
• India
25 Apr 09
Hi Deepak, You have mentioned about the advantage and disadvantage of the ban. In conclusion, a total ban is not at all possible. But reducing the use of plastic is really possible. I agree, all of a sudden we want to purchase something, and that time a carry bag won’t be with us. If availability of different kinds of bags, (for eg. Paper bag, jute bag and plastic bag) in the shop will help in some way. At least people should know about the same and shop keepers can take small charges on carry bags. I remember in earlier stage, shop keepers charged extra price for providing carry bags and I think now also they are charging for carry bags not directly but in an indirect way. The other thing is lack of awareness (about the problems with plastic) among people increases the hazards too. After reading many posts I reached a conclusion that, a ban is not at all necessary but spreading awareness is the need of the hour. (There is no use, a ban is there but people are not bothered). Many thanks for sharing your knowledge with us. Have a great weekend.
1 person likes this
@vsraovsr (734)
• India
23 Apr 09
Dear Sri, I appreciate you for bringing up a good discussion.As such, there is no strict ban on plstic in our city but here and there, we hear the pleas from NGOs not to use plastics. I can say one thinghere and that is what you wrote is definitely right but I feel that we got to find a better, bisdegradable and cheaper alternative for this which only could help avoid use of plastic in any form and completely.
1 person likes this
@Sreekala (34314)
• India
13 May 09
Hi vsravosr, How are you? Yes, a ban on plastic is here but there is no checking and violation of law is going on. I think the people are feeling difficult to cut down the usage of plastic because of its convenience. Most of the people are not aware of the hazards. Now the schools and NGOs are doing some demonstrations but I think some NGOs are supporting the use of plastic. There is difference of opinion on the use of plastic. In my opinion either government should find an alternative for plastic or they will implement proper method of destroying the waste without harming the environment. Thank you so much for your ideas. Have a great day.
@Roseo8 (2947)
• India
23 Apr 09
Hi sree yes plastic will definetely cause an environmental pollution in the long run since it is not biodegradable.But very often its usage far surpasses its demerits and that is the reason why people ,including me, continue to use plastic bags despite the ban that is being imposed on it......We have become so accustomed to using plastic carry bags,bottles and containers,that the cry to stop use of plastic carry bags and bottles is falling on deaf ears unfortunately.It is said that even burning plastic waste is haphazadrous since it releases toxic gases which are harmful for health.It is high time that we heed the ill effects of plastic carry bags and switch to paper and cloth bags,and support the ban on plastic that is being imposed in various parts of our country.......
1 person likes this
@Sreekala (34314)
• India
11 May 09
Hi Rose, Thanks for the wonderful reply. You are right; it is very difficult to stop the use of plastic due to many reasons. Actually people really wish to do so.. but... Let us hope at least in future we can support the ban on plastic. Thank you very much for the realistic reply. Have a great day.
@suzzy3 (8342)
24 Apr 09
We don't have a ban as such where we are in England but many supermarkets and shops don't hand them out anymore,some plastic is biodegradable now our rubbish sacks are .Most of us try to use our own bags and avoid plastic as much as we can.It is good your son is learning about the dangers of plastic bags at school.Loose plastic bags can trap small animals and look awful hanging off the trees,I hate the things.xxx
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@Sreekala (34314)
• India
13 May 09
Hi suzzy, I am glad to know that you people are reducing the usage of plastic. Many people are least bothered in our place. You are absolutely right, in case of animals, especially in Delhi you can see lot of animals in streets and they used to eat plastic covers (thin covers) and definitely it will damage their health. Thank you very much for sharing your ideas. Have a great day.
@jkatmaou (195)
• Philippines
25 Apr 09
plastic bags are not exactly banned in the Philippines, but a lot of companies are encouraging people to use paper bags or reusable cloth bags. plastic is definitely harmful to the environment. harmful to Earth=harmful to living things. but of course, plastic plays a major role in our lives today. the thing is, until we find a foolproof way to dispose of plastic properly, we might soon find ourselves drowning in the mess we created by abusing the use of plastic. so, recycling is good, but not everyone participates in the programs.
1 person likes this
@Sreekala (34314)
• India
13 May 09
Hi jkatmaou, I agree the plastic bags play an important role in our day to day life. People are depending much on plastic. The disposal is the major problem; if we can dispose it without harming environment then it will be a big relief. If my memory is right, one of the respondent who is from Philippines told me that in Philippines there is a proper method of disposal and the member encouraged other countries to follow the same pattern. I replied earlier to the responder so I can’t remember what exactly the person wrote. Thank you very much for your opinion. Have a great day.
@kalav56 (11464)
• India
23 Apr 09
As far as I know thee is no ban here Sree. While I know the adverse effects of plastic bags I still do use them;I have aLSo seen some cleaners segregate THEM carefully , so that they would not be thrown and would not harm the soil.But how to dispose of this is a big question mark, if burning is to b e harmful for the environment.Well, if they stop being available then I would also store my vegetables in a paper bag in the fridge.
1 person likes this
@Sreekala (34314)
• India
11 May 09
Hi Kala, I think it is better, there is no ban, because here imposed a ban, but I can't see any good result with this ban. On your question, how to dispose, I am adding one my responder’s opinion: "Here in my country there is a place were they collect plastics and other garbage then mix a chemical, which are not emitted in the atmosphere, then turn it into methane gas which they use to produce electricity". What does it mean; there is a proper method to adopt. This person is from Philippines. You can check the same it is on 27th number.
@Galena (9110)
21 Apr 09
there isn't a ban, but most shops have started charging for plastic carrier bags, so more people are bringing their own canvas bags, or re-using any plastic bags they do get, which is good. I think that the plastic bags should be more expensive though, as for a lot of people, the cost doesn't serve as enough of a deterrant. or maybe have no plastic bags, and only canvas ones to buy at the tillpoints.
1 person likes this
@Sreekala (34314)
• India
11 May 09
Hi Galena, I think it is a brilliant idea, by charging more on plastic. Yes people will definitely go for other options instead of a costly one. I am glad to read that in your place shops already started charge for plastic bags. Thanks for sharing. Have a nice day.
@maximax8 (31055)
• United Kingdom
21 Apr 09
I am very keen on helping the environment and when I go shopping I take bags made from jute. I do see some other customers going home with lots of plastic carrier bags. Many products are wrapped in plastic in the shops like vegetables from the supermarket. Some health food shop have only got paper bags which I think is superb. It sounds like wonderful policy in Delhi.
1 person likes this
@Sreekala (34314)
• India
11 May 09
Hi maximax, So sweet of you, you are taking much care on environment and taking your jute bags with you, really I appreciate. If the people started to think like you then no need of any ban. But like you minded people are very rare that is the sad part. Thank you so much for sharing your ideas. Have a nice day.
• Philippines
21 Apr 09
I believe plastic bags are harmful if those are not properly disposed. Here in my country there is a place were they collect plastics and other garbage then mix a chemical, which are not emitted in the atmosphere, then turn it into methane gas which they use to produce electricity. Every one should do that too. Every country should provide a similar facility so that our countries will be less polluted. I don't think the ban will reduce pollution because there are many cars and factories around the world. Here in my country there is no ban on plastic use.
1 person likes this
@Sreekala (34314)
• India
11 May 09
Hi AltheGreat, I understand why there is no ban in your place. You people are adopting proper method to dispose the plastic. Yes you are right, other countries can also follow the path then there will be many advantages. I also don't think a ban will work positively many are depending much on plastic so there is a violation of law. The only thing we can do to reduce the use of plastic. Thanks for sharing the method of plastic disposal in your country. Have a nice day.
@pro134 (45)
• China
21 Apr 09
in our country,there is no ban on plastic bags,but the government advise to reduce using plastic bags.so in the super market we need pay extra money for the plastic bag which was free before.but some little store still provide plastic bags free. nowdays more and more people go shopping whit cloth bags.
1 person likes this
@Sreekala (34314)
• India
11 May 09
Hi pro134, It is good I think. Instead of putting a ban on plastic the government can advise to reduce the usage of plastic. The government can even give some explanations like the problems of plastic etc. I think it will help much. If the government impose a ban then there should be enforcement of law, otherwise there is no use. Thanks for sharing your opinion. Have a nice time.
• Canada
21 Apr 09
I think putting a ban on plastic bags is a good thing. So many people go grocery shopping each day, and those bags add up, especially since they are hazardous to wildlife and also dont degrade very easily. Cloth bags are studier anyway when doing grocery shopping!
1 person likes this
@Sreekala (34314)
• India
11 May 09
Hi seapotato, First of all welcome to mylot. A ban is good when people are respecting the same and make practically possible it, otherwise what is the use. So better we should realize the problems and reduce the use of plastic as much we can. There is much difference in between these two, if we do something by our own will and do something by force of law. Let us to do something for our own. Thanks for sharing. Have a nice day.