Unless you’re living under a rock, you’ll know that Woolworths, Coles, and a number of IGA stores have recently banned the use of single use plastic bags.
When I first heard the news, I was absolutely thrilled. Inarguably, the vast majority of businesses across the world have had little concern for the state of the planet, and even though some irreversible damage has already been done by the plastic industry, I believe that this is a great first step towards minimising future damage.
Of course, I also predicted that there would probably be a period of time during which there would be some criticism. But I was not at all expecting the volcanic eruption of petty negativity that has engulfed my Facebook timeline for the past few weeks.
If the negative comments were factual and/or actually made any sense, I would not be writing this post at all. However, this is not the case, and I feel that I need to put my two cents in without singling out individuals.
“Everything you buy at the supermarket is wrapped in plastic, so banning plastic bags will make no difference.”
Every time I hear anything similar to this, I feel like sitting in a corner and maniacally laughing as I rock back and forth.
According to a report published by the New York Times, the world produces roughly 300 MILLION TONNES of plastic every single year.
According to Ocean Watch Australia, the world uses over 5 TRILLION plastic bags every year.
So no, banning plastic bags in selected Australian supermarkets will not cure the world of the inevitability of being completely swallowed by plastic, but it will make a difference, and it’s much better than nothing.
“Everyone uses their bags as bin liners anyway.”
Actually, they don’t.
In my research for this response, I have stumbled upon many figures for the amount of plastic bags that are recycled/reused in Australia each year, ranging from 1-5%. Even though the exact number is unknown, it’s pretty obvious that that theory is absolutely bogus.
Also, using them as bin liners doesn’t change the fact that said plastic bags are ending up in landfill, so there. #FAKENEWS.
“This is just a dumb ploy so the big supermarkets can make more money.”
No.
This is an informed decision made by an industry that is largely responsible for the problem, for which they are now taking accountability.
And even if it is a ploy to make more money… so what? If you could save roughly $170 million per year on something that adds no value to you or your store, I’m sure you would do it too.
Also, nobody is forcing you to buy reusable bags. If you have a major problem with it, you can always make your own, or use something you already have as an alternative (think washing baskets, crates, or maybe even something crazy like your hands).
“But I always forget to bring my bags in.”
Then don’t forget.
“What am I supposed to use to dispose of my dog and/or cat faeces?!”
I’m sure you’ll think of something. And if not, Google is a magical place.
“Supermarkets are trying to ruin my life.”
-_-
Of course, each and every one of you are entitled to your own opinion, and I do not want you to simply rely on the few facts I have presented you with, so I stress that you should conduct some of your own research the moment you finish reading this post.
If you still believe that climate change is a hoax, the Earth is flat, and that society is being controlled by robots, that is absolutely fine, so by all means go ahead and voice your opinion.
However, there is absolutely no excuse to verbally or physically abuse retail staff over it.
Never forget that the hardworking people who lovingly bag your groceries every week did not make the decision to ban plastic bags, and have zero power to change it. Hurling abuse at them is both unnecessarily mean, and completely pointless.
That will be all.
