Do we need to use plastic bags?

Do you want paper or plastic? This is not a request usually made by the typical Jamaican cashier. Often consumers are not asked as their purchases are often placed in large quantities of plastic bags.

There are some stores that don’t package consumers’ goods in plastic bags. Instead they offer customers the choice of using cardboard boxes or bringing their own bags. There was also an initiative at another wholesale entity a few years ago to push the concept of selling ‘green bags’ that could be used as shopping bags.

Whereas both plans are to be commended, plastic bags are still the packaging of choice  used by most businesses. They are unconsiously reached for as a ‘must have’ item when packaging any type of goods. Even very small items are given their own bags and so consumers can accumulate a number of bags in a short time.

I have a lot of plastic bags that I was ‘saving’ to use another time. Truthfully though they don’t get used and I end up throwing them away.

How many other people are discarding their bags after only a few minutes of use?

The Dangers of Plastic

I recently went to presentation where a group of students showed how difficult it was to get rid of plastic. The chemicals that comprise plastic have the adverse effect of never really decomposing even after several hundred years.

If plastic ends up in the ocean which it usually does through pollution of streams and gullies it  can upset the balance in the delicate ecosystem. Sea creatures that injest plastic usually end up on being eaten by humans which can cause health problems.

Why is Plastic Used?

Since everyone is aware of the dangers of plastic why is it still being used?

Well its easily available and its cheap. So we have the face the facts that in a struggling economy, business owners will always choose the meet the bottom line!

What has been the international response?

International No Plastic Bag Day

A number of countries have adopted an International No Plastic Bag Day. This day will be celebrated on July 3, 2016. The day is celebrated to heighten awareness of the impact of plastic on the environment.

Would you like to participate in the day?

Well just bring your own bag for shopping on that day. International Plastic Bag Free Day gives us an opportunity to remind ourselves, and others, that every action we take, and every bag we dispose of, affects the lives of everyone in the world for generations to come.

So what’s your take? Let me hear from you!

Teri Ann Renee Paisley

Gleaner online Writer

Tags: plastic