Should a law pass to charge consumers a fee or tax if they require a grocery bag after shopping?
A variety of large department stores (Such as Target) here in Australia charge a small fee for plastic grocery bags if you don't bring your own bag.
My answer would be no. I think a tax would be just another piece of red tape. However, I think if people had to pay a few pennies for the plastic bag, they would opt to skip it and bring their own.No red tape, just a tiny fee for the use of the bag.
It's not that I want to pay or even really think I should have to... but some changes need to happen whether it's convenient for me or not.
I personally do not believe in all the taxing that goes on in some states and countries - but the carrot and stick routine does work well - just advertise that you can save X. Xx amount of dollars if you bring in your "Green Shopping Bags" on each purchase - People are basically cheap and only a few people will not care and pay the service charge.
A few years ago, here in South Africa, it was decided that all consumers wanting a plastic packet at the checkout should pay an additional fee. This encouraged people to start using more durable reusable bags. It worked.
We don't have nearly as much plastic bag related litter as we used to. A success story if you ask me.
From an economical viewpoint, Yes the consumer should pay for their grocery bags. From an environmental viewpoint, It doesn't affect that much or nothing at all. Countries that have a tradition of the consumers paying for their plastic bags at the counter usually pay for it instead of bringing their own textile bag or reuse an old one.
If it's going to affect the use of plastic it has to be a discouraging price, 1$ a bag would probably be enough, combined with extra efforts to make the customers bring their own bag.
Yes sometimes I forget, but most of the time I take a Fair Trade cotton bag with me for a small amount of shopping or a selection of strong reusable bags for a larger amount of shopping. If I can remember to do this why should I need a law made to force me to do it. I think it is about not being selfish and using up resources unnecessarily.
Visited Ontario Canada this summer. If you don't have your own Green bags they charge you a nickel per plastic bag used at the grocery. I assumed that the store was getting the money but maybe it is a tax.
Most other retail stores asked if you needed a bag.
The bill would require all retailers that give out plastic shopping bags to also accept the bags back and have those bags recycled. • In 2009, House Bill 5273 was introduced to the Connecticut General Assembly. The bill would ban all retailers from using non-biodegradable bags starting January 1, 2011.
• In 2009, House Bill 5207 was introduced to the Connecticut General Assembly. The bill would require a tax to be paid on all paper and plastic bags. The purpose of this bill is to help reduce waste, litter, dependence on foreign oil and to help foster sustainability and environmental responsibility.
• In 2009, House Bill 5107 was introduced to the Connecticut General Assembly. The bill would require retail stores to charge a tax of five cents per plastic bag. Money from this tax would be used for the renewable energy fund.
• In 2009, House Bill 5479 was introduced to the Connecticut General Assembly. The bill would also require a five cent fee per plastic bag. This is intended to encourage the use of reusable bags and to reduce plastic waste.
• In 2009, House Bill 5492 was introduced to the Connecticut General Assembly. The bill would require the recycling of plastic shopping bags and charge a fee on each plastic or paper shopping bag. • In 2009, House Bill 6314 was introduced to the Connecticut General Assembly.
The bill would require a five cent fee per bag given out at grocery stores. This is intended to reduce the amount of plastic waste that enters landfills. • In January 2009, House Bill 5005 was introduced to the Connecticut General Assembly.
If enacted, this bill would prohibit retail establishments from providing plastic bags for purchased goods at the point of sale. This bill was referred to the Joint Committee on Environment and stayed there until adjournment of the Assembly. • In January 2009, House Bill 5215 was introduced to the Connecticut General Assembly.
The bill would require a five cent fee per bag given out at grocery stores. Monies generated from the tax would be transferred to the Department of Environmental Protection. It remains “Tabled for the Calendar” in the Committee on Finance, Revenue, and Bonding (May, 2009).
In 2008, Westport Connecticut passed a ban on most plastic shopping bags beginning in 2009. Bags used for produce are exempted.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.
Related Questions
What bag is stronger plastic grocery bag or paper bag?
How can a grocery list make grocery shopping easier?
The SRF Federal program charges a closing fee on its loans. How is that fee accessed and when is that fee paid?
Tax..Tax..Tax..Tax..Tax..?
Do the tiles in the Farnsworth Munsell 100 Hue test kit require calibration? If so, what can change that would require their recalibration? If they require calibration, what is the frequency?
I accidentally left chicken brasts and beef cubes on the counter after grocery shopping...are they safe to eat?