EU Plastic Bag Debate Highlights a Wider Global Problem 470
jones_supa writes "An EU citizen uses around 200 plastic bags per year. That's too much, says the EU. But wasting plastic bags is not just a European problem. Countries around the world are struggling with the issue, and it especially affects growing economies such as Asia. Some Southeast Asian countries don't even have the proper infrastructure in place to dispose of the bags properly. The problems for the environment are many. Plastic bags usually take several hundred years until they decay, thereby filling landfills, while animals often mistake the plastic for food and choke to death. Additionally they are a major cause of seaborne pollution, which is a serious hazard for marine life. This autumn, EU started ambitious plans which aim to reduce usage 80% by 2017. Some countries have already applied measures to slow plastic bag use: England has added a 5p charge to previously free bags, and in Ireland the government has already imposed a tax of 22 euro cents ($0.29) per plastic bag. The EU Environment Commissioner, Janez Potonik, said, 'We're taking action to solve a very serious and highly visible environmental problem.'"
Re:England (Score:5, Funny)
I have 2 reusable bags, but I almost always forget to take them with me anywhere. I used one last week, but that was the first time in months.
Its not just me then. The thing is I have about 20 reusable bags - I keep buying one to keep in the car .... take it into the house full of groceries and there it stays.
Re:England (Score:5, Funny)
Only problem with keeping them in a car is they tend to be alive [foodsafetynews.com].
Actually, that is not a problem. Not only does it affect only the weak and sickly (the ones who aren't going to make it anyway), but it only threatens the tiny percentage of the population who remember to reuse their reusable bags in the first place.
Re:Taxing is not going to fix the problem (Score:5, Funny)