LAWS REQUIRING MANDATORY BIODEGRADEABLE SHOPPING BAGS
LAWS REQUIRING MANDATORY BIODEGRADEABLE SHOPPING BAGS
Gone are the days when shoppers were asked
whether they preferred plastic or paper shopping bags at grocery stores. Today,
many local government units (LGUs) have already mandated the exclusive use of
paper shopping bags, banning plastic ones through local ordinances. This move
aims to reduce plastic waste, promote sustainability, and encourage businesses
to adopt environmentally friendly practices.
While the use of mandatory paper bags is a
well-intended environmental initiative, many shoppers have voiced concerns
about their durability. Paper bags often fail to hold wet or frozen goods, and
they can easily break when carrying heavier items like canned goods. These
inconveniences have led to some dissatisfaction among consumers, who feel that
the shift to paper bags comes at the cost of practicality.
One possible solution to this issue is for
shoppers to bring their own reusable shopping bags made from stronger,
eco-friendly materials. The good news is that technology has now made it
possible to produce bags that are not only stronger than both paper and plastic
but are also organic and biodegradable. These new-generation shopping bags are
crafted from natural fibers such as banana or abaca, which are known for their
durability and sustainability.
Additionally, even standard paper bags can be
reinforced with banana or abaca fibers, making them more resilient while still
being biodegradable. If LGUs adopt these improved alternatives, shoppers may no
longer face issues with fragile paper bags.
Although LGUs have the power to enforce
environmental policies, it is always beneficial to ensure these regulations are
consumer friendly. The transition to sustainable alternatives should not create
unnecessary difficulties for the public. As the saying goes, necessity is the
mother of invention. If plastic shopping bags are completely phased out, both
businesses and consumers will naturally innovate and seek better, eco-friendly
alternatives.
Besides banana and abaca fibers, other
natural materials such as coconut leaves, nipa palm leaves, and bamboo strips
could also be explored for bag production. The Philippines already has several
national laws promoting biodegradable shopping bags. Now, it is up to the LGUs
to enact ordinances that complement these national efforts.
Retailers that genuinely care about the
environment should not wait for a legal mandate to switch to biodegradable
materials. Similarly, environmentally conscious consumers should actively
support the banning of plastic shopping bags as part of their contribution to
preserving nature.
Countries around the world have already
implemented laws requiring businesses to use paper or biodegradable bags in
place of plastic. Cities such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, and New
York have led the way in the United States, while states like California,
Hawaii, Oregon, and Vermont have also enacted strict bans. Beyond the U.S.,
countries like Ireland, Australia, and Kenya have successfully implemented
nationwide bans on plastic bags, proving that large-scale transitions are both
possible and effective.
By embracing these global best practices, the
Philippines can further enhance its environmental policies. If more LGUs take
proactive steps, and if businesses and consumers alike commit to sustainable
choices, the transition to mandatory biodegradable shopping bags can be a
smooth and beneficial one for all. The fight against plastic waste requires
collective effort, but with innovation and commitment, we can make a real
impact on our planet.
Ramon Ike V. Seneres,
www.facebook.com/ike.seneres
iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282,
senseneres.blogspot.com
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