Solutions to the Plastic Bag Problem

Using Reusable Bags

The best solution to the plastic bags problems is to use a reusable bag. It is because reusable bags are often made from canvas and are very durable. One reusable bag can replace nearly 1,000 plastic bags over its lifetime. On the other hand, some retailers in the U.S. and around the world should encourage customers to purchase a reusable bag or to bring in their own bags (Joyce, 2007).

Applying Tax On Plastic Bags

Filing a legislation that applies a small fee on plastic bags at some large retail stores; consumers have to pay the fee if they choose to use plastic bags. As a result, they can avoid paying the fee if they choose to use reusable bags, to bring their own bags, to reuse a plastic bag or even to request a paper bag (Joyce, 2007).

• As of June 1, China is banning free plastic bags all over the country. All customers in China have to pay for using plastic bags (Bodeen, 2008).
• In 2002, Ireland passed a tax on plastic bags; consumers have to pay 33 cents per plastic bags at the register. As a result, plastic bags use dropped 94 percent within couple weeks; and almost everyone had their own reusable bags (Joyce, 2007).
• After the "No Plastic Bag Day" event in Hong Kong, participating retailers noticed a 40 percent drop in plastic bags usage (Joyce, 2007).
• After the "Bring Your Own Bag" event in Singapore, it was about 100,000 plastic bags were saved and over 20,000 reusable bags were sold in a day (Joyce, 2007).

Some Actions Taken in the U.S.

• San Francisco became the first city in the U.S. to ban on plastic grocery bags, but it only applies to some large supermarkets (Bodeen, 2008).
• Wal-Mart is selling the reusable bags only for $1 at the register to encourage its customers not to use plastic bags. In addition, Wal-Mart gave away 1 million reusable bags in April 2008. This action helps to reduce another 100 million disposable bags (Gover, 2007).
• In the U.S., all IKEA stores are applying additional charges to the plastic bags; each plastic bag costs a nickel to the customers. The company encourages people to use reusable bags (Dunn, 2007).