The perpetual usage of plastic bags is here to stay in Singapore, according to lawmakers, who don’t believe that introducing levies on them will help the environment.
In parliament yesterday, Senior Minister of State for the Environment and Water Resources Dr Amy Khor boldly dismissed the idea that imposing bans or mandatory charges on plastic bags would be a good thing for Singapore — or the environment.
“… imposing a charge or ban on disposable plastic bags and substituting them with other types of disposable bags is unlikely to improve environmental outcomes,” Dr Khor said.
A ghastly thing to say perhaps, but context is important. An assessment recently conducted by the National Environmental Agency (NEA) noted that all types of disposable bags — bio-degradable, paper, or plastic — greatly impact the environment. As such, the senior minister of state recommended that consumers be encouraged to use reusable bags and food containers instead of the government all-out banning plastic bags.
She also highlighted the importance of plastic bags in Singapore’s households:
“Plastic bags are also necessary for responsible and hygienic bagging of waste in our moist, tropical climate. Unbagged household waste attracts more pests like cockroaches and rats, creating serious environmental and health problems.”
Nonetheless, Dr. Khor assured that Ministry of Environment and Water Resources would be tackling the issue of excessive consumption of all types of disposables — the ministry will step up engagement with stakeholders to cut down exorbitant usage of things such as single-use food containers and disposable cutleries, as well as launch campaigns to incentivize consumers to bring their own reusable receptacles to eateries and supermarkets.
All laudable efforts of course, but we’re sure people can agree that banning or charging fees for plastic bags is a good first step towards being eco-friendly.
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