THERE were mixed reactions to the “No Plastic Bag Day” ruling in Selangor that came into effect last Saturday.
While some shoppers complained about being caught unawares or insisted on getting plastic bags, others embraced the campaign enthusiastically by bringing their own shopping bags.
The Selangor state government had announced that the six-month campaign would take effect every Saturday, and consumers who request for plastic bags would be charged 20 sen per bag.
Selangor tourism, consumer and environment committee chairman Elizabeth Wong said the campaign was to encourage the reduction of plastic bags, and not a complete ban.
Going green: Wong (right) helping a shopper pack her purchases into a reusable bag produced by the state government to promote the `No Plastic Bag Day’ campaign at Jusco, 1 Utama Shopping Centre on Saturday.
“We have 20 big retailers comprising hypermarkets, supermarkets, pharmacies and convenience stores who are participating during the campaign’s initial stage,” she said.
“We hope to get hundreds more to join after three months. My office is getting calls from more companies wanting to pledge their support for the campaign and we encourage concerned groups and NGOs to take part, too.”
Wong said the state government was working with the Malaysia Retailers Association to get the retailers’ support and the Malaysia Plastic Forum to get assistance in terms of lobbying for issues on plastic.
“In line with the 3R concept, we want to see a reduction in the use of plastic bags,” she said.
Big enough: A shopper using The Big Green Bag for her purchases at Tesco Mutiara Damansara.
“We will evaluate the campaign after six months, on whether the campaign should be extended and consider making it part of the licensing requirements (for retailers).
“We hope to see a 50% reduction of free distribution of plastic bags in Selangor after six months.”
Wong said this after a visit to Jusco and Cold Storage at 1 Utama Shopping Centre to distribute reusable bags and inform consumers about the campaign on Saturday.
“The shoppers’ response was beyond expectations. It is encouraging to see the people in Selangor wanting to do something for the environment,” she said.
“The state government is intensifying the campaign by producing some 35,000 reusable bags for free distribution and putting up billboards.”
Meanwhile, 10 Kuala Lumpur MPs have also submitted a petition to Kuala Lumpur City Hall for the city to initiate a similar “No Plastic Bag Day” campaign.
Consumers’ reaction
Dr Pauline Lai was out shopping with her father Richard Lai, and came prepared with some 20 reusable bags to pack their groceries.
“I always keep these bags in my car for such a purpose and have been using my own bags for grocery shopping for the past year,” said Pauline, who attributed her preparedness to environmental awareness and overseas education.
The 40-year-old pharmacist also separates her garbage at home and feels that the “No Plastic Bag” concept should be implemented nationwide.
Another shopper is secretary Chua Ai Lee who feels the move is great for the environment.
“I try to bring my own bags whenever I go out shopping,” said Chua, 35.
“But with the campaign, I am planning to intensify my efforts to make sure I don’t use so many plastic bags.”
As a fishing enthusiast, Harry Foo has seen plenty of plastic bags left discarded at lakes and beaches.
“I keep reusable bags in my car so I’ll remember to bring them along whenever I go grocery shopping,” said the 70-year-old.
Legal manager Zuraidah Mohd Yatim was among those caught unawares when shopping at a popular hypermarket.
“I had to buy recyclable bags to carry my purchases and wheel the rest in the trolley to my car,” said Zuraidah, 42.
“I knew the campaign had already started at Ikea but I didn’t know it had been extended to hypermarkets.”
One irate shopper had brought along a bag for his shopping but said it was not enough for all his groceries.
“The government should have made the campaign better known to the public. There are even fewer shoppers than usual today (on the first day of the campaign),” he said.
Environment groups
Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) communication head Andrew Sebastian said Malaysians should support activities that reduced the impact on the environment, especially waste.
On the campaign’s effectiveness, Sebastian said: “We are dealing with mindset change here. It takes time, but every little bit helps.
“There are many ways to carry out such campaigns, whether in phases or immediate implementation,” he said.
“It would be great if the hypermarkets and retailers offer incentives to make it more exciting to encourage consumers to take up the initiative.”
He added that MNS was suppor- tive of the campaign and that Malaysians should reduce usage of plastic bags as part of their everyday habits.
“People have to make it part of their lifestyle for the campaign to be truly effective,” said Centre for Environment, Technology & Development Malaysia (Cetdem) executive director Anthony Tan.
He cited the example of his family making it a conscious habit to bring reusable bags with them when they go out shopping, and bringing containers when they do their marketing at the pasar malam.
“The whole point of the campaign is to educate people on the need to reduce taking excessive and unnecessary number of plastic bags,” said Tan.
“The fact remains that many are not conscious about the number of plastic bags that they use, not to mention the plastic bags that are often freely given away at food outlets or convenience stores.
“It is usually the odd-sized plastic bags that end up in drains and contaminate the environment.”
Tan added that there was also a need to educate food stall operators and retailers on the need to help the environment.
Examples in other countries
• Plastic bags are either taxed or require additional charges in places like Italy, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany and Holland.
• Ireland became the first country in March 2002 to introduce a plastic bag tax on consumers, or PlasTax. Designed to reduce their rampant consumption of plastic shopping bags per year, the tax resulted in a 90% drop in consumption, and approximately one billion fewer bags consumed annually.
·In Oct 2001, Taiwan introduced a ban on distribution of free single-use plastic bags by government agencies, schools and the military. It was then expanded to include supermarkets, fast-food outlets, department stores and convenience stores. The ban was lifted in 2006 for food service operators to offer free plastic bags.
·China introduced a ban on flimsy plastic bags in June 2008 to reduce “white pollution” – the popular term for plastic bags and styrofoam packaging. Under the new rules, the state forbade production of ultra-thin bags under 0.025mm thick and ordered supermarkets to stop giving away free bags.
·Switzerland requires supermarkets to charge $0.15-$0.20 (50 sen-70 sen) per paper bag. Most shoppers bring their own reusable shopping bags.
·Since launching a 5 pence (30 sen) charge for carrier bags in May 2008, Marks & Spencers in the United Kingdom said there had been an 80% reduction in their use in the first year.
·Bangladesh slapped an outright ban on all polyethylene bags in Dhaka in March 2002 after they were found to have been the main culprit during two major floods that affected two-thirds of the country, as discarded bags were choking the drainage system.
·In Denmark, the waste tax is differentiated so that it is most expensive to landfill waste, cheaper to incinerate it and tax exempt to recycle it. It also has “green” taxes on packaging, plastic bags, disposable tableware and nickel-cadmium batteries.
======================================================================
Monday January 11, 2010
Retailers go all out to make campaign a success
Carrefour
Carrefour Malaysia Marketing and Communications director Low Ngai Yuen said Carrefour was committed to zero distribution of plastic bags by 2012, and as an international company, reduce its carbon footprint impact.
“Whatever money that is saved from reduction of plastic bags goes back to the customers in the form of discounts or savings for their purchases,” she said.
Prepared: A shopper using her own bags for her purchases at Carrefour Tropicana City Mall.
If a shopper does not bring shopping bags, Low said they could get Carrefour staff to help them to load purchases into their car, request for boxes or pay 10 sen per plastic bag - which would be channelled to the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS).
From Jan 9 onwards, Low said Carrefour Malaysia started rewarding shoppers who brought their own shopping bags with a new reusable bag.
Carrefour Malaysia has gone a step further by introducing various green measures at selected hypermarkets.
“For example, no plastic bags are given at all at Carrefour Market in Bangsar South, KL. A big majority are receptive to the idea, though a small group are not,” said Low.
“Our Tropicana City Mall outlet has a no plastic bag day on Mondays, while at Bandar Tun Hussein Onn, eight out of 15 are eco-friendly checkout lanes that give priority to customers who bring their own shopping bags.”
Tesco
To raise awareness among customers on the need to protect the environment, Tesco Stores (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd launched the Tesco Green Clubcard programme in June 2008.
“The programme rewards our customers with Tesco Green Clubcard points each time they use their own bags or the Tesco reusable bags available at all Tesco stores,” said Tesco Stores (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd corporate affairs director Marlene Kaur.
“The points are converted into Clubcard Cash Vouchers every quarter that can be used to offset the cost of purchases made at any Tesco and Tesco Extra stores.”
Marlene said one of Tesco’s reusable bags called The Big Green Bag would now cost 50% less at RM1.99.
“Since launching the Tesco Green Clubcard reward system, we have reduced the production of plastic bags by 20 million and plans are under way to get more customers to opt for reusable bags,” she said.
“So far, Tesco Malaysia has reduced its cumulative carbon footprint by 28.2% for new stores and the ambient distribution centre, and 3% for existing stores and the fresh food distribution centre.”
Giant
The “No Plastic Bag Day” began at all Giant hypermarkets, superstores and supermarkets in Selangor on Jan 9.
“Although the campaign just started at our Giant stores in Selangor, our Cold Storage outlets already have a “No Plastic Bag” practice every Thursday,” said GCH Retail (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd marketing director Ho Mun Hao, whose company operates the Giant and Cold Storage stores in Malaysia.
“Those with a minimum purchase of RM50 in a single receipt were given a free recyclable bag on Jan 9,” he said.
“Alternatively, customers can buy our recyclable bags at a discounted price of RM1.99.”
On whether the “No Plastic Bag Day” policy would be implemented in the company’s hypermarkets in other states, he said it would depend on the feedback they received from the campaign in Selangor.
Jusco
Aeon Co (M) Bhd plans to introduce the “No Plastic Bag Day” on Saturdays at all its 22 stores nationwide after Chinese New Year, said Aeon Co (M) Bhd CSR & Corporate Branding general manager Noryahwati Mohd Noh.
“We had a similar “No Plastic Bag Day” campaign at all Jusco stores that started in January last year in conjunction with Jusco’s 25th anniversary,” she said.
“During our campaign, Jusco customers were encouraged not to use plastic bags on the 25th of each month.”
Noryahwati said Jusco had a reward system for their campaign.
“Shoppers who did not use plastic bags were given additional JCard points, but this was later changed whereby they were given a complimentary reusable bag,” she said.
“Our stores in Penang and Selangor have been running a “No Plastic Bag Day” thrice weekly and once weekly respectively, and there have been no complaints so far.
“Those who are caught by surprise will be offered complimentary boxes or they can opt to buy our reusable bags at a 50% discount, or even buy plastic bags at 20 sen each.”
Noryahwati said the funds collected would be channelled to Jusco’s Green Fund, a new Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project for tree-planting activities.
Ikea
Ikea has been encouraging the use of reusable bags when customers shop at the Ikea store since June 5 last year to commemorate World Environment Day.
With the goal of reducing waste from plastic bag use and to contribute in reducing overall garbage, Ikea will no longer be offering customers free plastic bags.
Customers may bring their own reusable bags when they do their shopping, or buy Ikea’s iconic reusable “Big Blue Bag” for RM1.90. “There is no financial gain for Ikea. Money collected by charging for plastic bags will be donated to the MNS,” said Ikea Malaysia Sustainability manager Chong Hock Ben.
“With the proceeds, Ikea, in collaboration with MNS, will plant and maintain mangrove trees at the mangrove forest in Kuala Selangor Nature Park to offset carbon dioxide emissions.
Ikea Malaysia Marketing Commu nications manager Yap Poh Choo said: “We realise that our Ikea ‘Love The Earth’ programme is a small step.
“But we believe that our customers want to help and support the sustainability of our planet for today and the future of our children.
================================================================================================Monday January 4, 2010
Shoppers caught unawares by ‘No Plastic Bag Day’ campaign
By SHAUN HO
PETALING JAYA: Selangor’s first ‘No Plastic Bag Day’ on Jan 2 went by so quietly that many consumers, although applauding the move, were frustrated at being caught unawares.
The Selangor government had on Dec 20 declared its plans to make every Saturday a plastic bag-free day effective Jan 1.
Going green: Customers at Carrefour will need to pay 10 sen for a plastic bag if they insist on having one.
A senior executive who wished to be known as Raj said he had gone shopping at a hypermarket in Subang Jaya on Saturday, not knowing it was the first day of the campaign.
“At the counter, the cashier told me it was a ‘no plastic day’ and she would not give me plastic bags.
“There was no visible sign to announce about the campaign. As I had bought more than RM100 worth of groceries, she gave me a complimentary reusable shopping bag,” said Raj, who works in the shipping industry as a purchasing officer.
He added that the bag was not big enough to contain all the purchased items, and he had to cart the trolley to the car park and unload the items into his car boot.
“I support the campaign, but it should be made known to consumers. I saw many others caught by surprise at the cashier’s line.”
Carrefour public relations manager Salmieah Mohd Zin said there had been a few complaints from consumers at its stores but “it was a matter of educating the public.”
She added that most Carrefour stores in the Klang Valley have been plastic bag-free since last year and their target was to have no plastic bags in Carrefour Malaysia by 2012.
Customers who insist on plastic bags will have to pay 10 sen per bag.
However, Giant will only be implementing its “no plastic bag” days from Jan 9, said marketing manager Ho Mun Hao.
He said their stores in Penang had promoted the campaign well, with managers explaining the concept to customers.
“We will prepare carton boxes for customers to pack their things. Plastic bags will still be available at 20 sen but we will be selling reusable bags at RM1.99,” Ho added.
Cold Storage will also observe the ‘no plastic bag day’ on Saturdays. Currently, the stores do not give out plastic bags on Thursdays.
Convenience store chain 7-11 will also be starting its ‘no plastic bag’ campaign this Saturday, its website said.
================================================================================================ Sunday January 3, 2010
Penang to use iron fist in no-plastic bag campaign
By MANJIT KAUR and TAN SIN CHOW
GEORGE TOWN: Shops in Penang that fail to observe the “No Plastic Day” campaign this year risk being fined or not having their licences renewed.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the state was the first in South-East Asia to use such measures in its crusade for a greener environment.
“We will take action this year and the date of enforcement will be announced later,” he said after launching the extension of the no-plastic bag campaign from one day to three days a week at Komtar Walk here yesterday.
Lim said the state government would focus on creating awareness and educating outlet operators from now until March.
“After the period, we will decide whether or not to extend the campaign. This will be followed by enforcement,” he said.
He hoped business operators would support the green initiative in the interest of future generations.
The state has been running the campaign to reduce the use of plastic bags since last year.
“I know that this decision will not please every one especially plastic bag manufacturers, but we are ready to accept criticisms.
“The state government also expects to lose its popularity. However, for the sake of our children and grandchildren, we are willing to face such risks,” he said.
Lim said all stores (excluding hawkers) must go at least one day a week without using plastic bags, while hypermarkets and supermarkets must abide by the ruling three days a week.
He said consumers who insisted on plastic bags would be charged 20 sen per bag. The money will be channelled to the state government’s Partners Against Poverty (PAP) fund to wipe out hardcore poverty.
“To date, we have collected RM27,000 for the PAP fund from the proceeds,” he added.
Meanwhile, Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce president Tan Sri Tan Kok Ping advised the state government not to rush into the campaign.
“The three-month period on creating awareness and educating outlet operators is a bit short.
“More time is needed for Penangites to get used to it as many have been using plastic bags for years,” he said.
================================================================================================ Saturday November 28, 2009
‘No plastic’ for three days campaign in Penang
GEORGE TOWN: It is “No Plastic Day” on Tuesdays and Wednesdays too in Penang from Jan 1.
The state government has decided to extend its “No Plastic Monday” campaign against the use of plastic bags to three days in a week.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said all hypermarkets, supermarkets and mini-markets would be required to abide by the ruling for their licences to be renewed under the Local Government Act and Municipal Council of Penang Island (Food Establishments) by-laws.
“Consumers who insist on plastic bags will still pay 20sen per plastic bag, which will then be channelled to the state government’s ‘Partners Against Poverty’ fund to wipe out hardcore poverty,” he said.
Lim said even single stores at shopping malls would now be required to adhere to the ruling on Mondays.
He said according to data provided by 45 supermarkets, hypermarkets and other retailers, Penangites saved on the use of more than one million plastic bags since the campaign kicked off in July.
“To date, we have also collected RM21,403 for the fund for the poor,” he added.
“Due to tremendous public support, the state has decided to extend it to three days after discussion with all stakeholders, including non-governmental groups and plastic manufacturers.”
================================================================================================ Thursday November 26, 2009
Sabah tourism centres to ban plastic bags
KOTA KINABALU: All tourism centres under Sabah government agencies will be barred from using plastic bags in an effort to conserve the environment.
State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun said the ruling was expected to be enforced by early next year.
“We have already sent a directive to all tourism centres under the ministry to switch to recycled bags, which are environmentally friendly,” he said after opening a seminar on the Environment and Plastic Bags.
“We are also asking hotels as well as private tourist companies to stop the use of plastic bags,” he said.
Masidi said some tourism outlets were already banning plastic bags.
He said one example was Lok Kawi Zoo where the ban had been practised.
“Sabah parks have committed themselves to ensuring that no plastic bags are used from January while others, including Kinabalu National Park, Taman Tunku Abdul Rahman, Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation centre and Bukit Tawau Park, have already stopped allowing the use of plastic bags,” he said.
Masidi hoped that the Educa tion Ministry would also get involved in the environmental conservation efforts by getting school canteens to stop using plastic bags and other such containers.
He said students could bring their own containers from home.
“The ministry can also introduce environmental conservation programmes as part of the curriculum for students,” he added.
================================================================================================ Friday November 6, 2009
Shoppers at newly-opened Carrefour Market must bring own bags
By JAYAGANDI JAYARAJ
GOING green all the way, Carrefour Market at the Sphere in Bangsar South, Kuala Lumpur has implemented its no-plastic-bag policy starting last week.
Shoppers are encouraged to bring their own bags, or buy recyclable bags sold at the market.
The attractive bags cost between RM4 and RM4.90.
Otherwise, they can make use of carton boxes provided at the check-out counters.
Going green: (From left) Chia, Vanidah and Rashidi with their green bags at Carrefour Market in Bangsar South.
The initiative is Carrefour Group’s target to stop the free distribution of plastic bags to shoppers in all countries by 2012.
With 19 stores in Malaysia, the company has currently implemented the concept at Carrefour Bandar Tun Hussein Onn and Carrefour Penang.
Carrefour at Tropicana Mall in Petaling Jaya is also in the midst of a conversion. Next in line to adopt the “no plastic bag” policy is Carrefour Mid Valley Megamall in Kuala Lumpur.
Carrefour Malaysia chief executive officer Guillaume de Colonges said although environment conservation was an uphill task, the company was not discouraged.
“To succeed, we are planning more effective programmes, taking with us the learnings from the best practices of other Carrefour stores around the world.
“In our business, we have the advantage of a large consumer base and because of this we know we can make an impact to promote public awareness on the need to protect and conserve our environmental heritage,” he said at the grand opening of Carrefour Market.
Deputy Federal Territories Minister Datuk M. Saravanan officiated at the opening.
Also present to support the company’s efforts in going green were model Amber Chia, actress Vanidah Imran and husband Rashidi Ishak.
Chia, who often carried her own shopping bags instead of using plastic bags, said it was about time that Malaysians picked up and followed through on the habit of bringing their own shopping bags.
“Abroad, people do that all the time. It is a habit that reduces waste and helps protect the environment. I can see the trend of bringing recyclable bags is slowly picking up here but more people should be educated and be aware of it. So let’s start from somewhere.
“These days recyclable bags are also attractive, so it’s good,” she said.
At 2,000 square meter, Carrefour Market in Bangsar South is the first of its kind in Malaysia.
The mini hypermarket has 16,000 stock keeping units with a wide range of grocery items, including beauty and health products.
================================================================================================ Friday October 9, 2009
Plastic bags to be eased out
By MAZWIN NIK ANIS
PUTRAJAYA: Plastic bags, especially for packing food, are on their way out at the Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry, which is going “green” to minimise harm to the environment.
Its minister Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui said plans were afoot to kick off the campaign to create an ecologically friendly environment.
“We also plan to rope in other ministries for this good cause. It is important for the public to be aware of the harm plastic can do to the environment,” he told reporters after the ministry’s monthly gathering yesterday.
“It is time that we do our part for nature, and it is good if we can minimise – even stop – the use of plastic bags. Kicking off the campaign in my ministry is a positive start, and I hope to see the employees bring containers to the cafeteria if they want to pack food.
“This is a good habit that I want to see the staff members promote to their children, friends, family and neighbours. It may be a small thing, but it will certainly have an impact on efforts to protect and preserve the environment.”
Chin said his ministry was in the midst of discussing the project with other ministries to have a better and “more powerful impact.”
If successful, the “do not use plastic bags” campaign would be extended to shops and retail outlets within Putrajaya and later, nationwide.
At the function, the minister launched a handbook providing information on fiscal incentives provided by the Government to encourage the generation of renewable energy.
Incentives would be given to those who adopt energy efficiency, and parties which make efforts to improve power quality. Among the incentives were investment tax allowance and exemption of import duty and sales tax.
Chin added that the ministry was also involved in ensuring the success of one of the six national key results areas outlined by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
“We are providing support to the Rural and Regional Development Ministry in ensuring that 90% of people in Sabah and Sarawak, and 98% of the population in the peninsula, have access to clean water by 2012,” he said.
“As for power, the target is to see that 95% of the East Malaysian population have electricity supply to their homes, while 7,000 orang asli in the peninsula enjoy uninterrupted power supply in three years’ time.
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