Jane Teo - The artful dodgers of 'Bring Your Own Bag' day

Although ‘Bring Your Own Bag’ (BYOB) Day was initially slated for the first Wednesday of each month, it has been held every Wednesday to make it easier for consumers to remember the date. BYOB Day was started in April last year to address the issue of the excessive use of plastic bags. This programme involves supermarket chains, they encourage shoppers to donate 10 cents for each plastic bag used and the cost of each bag ranges depending on its size. Many customers had responded positively. However, some customers bought fewer items or decided not to shop when they realised that it was BYOB Day. They felt that BYOB Day is unfair, 10 cents is too expensive a donation to make for a thin plastic bag and everything has already increased in price and GST is so high, hence, the provision of plastic bags should be a service. Also, some customers buy small items on Wednesdays and then ask for big plastic bags. But at least, ever since the campaign was launched, usage of plastic bags had dropped by over 12 per cent.

Personal Views :

Mother Earth is really suffering because of us, the humans. I think that the programme "Bring Your Own Bag" day is good as it encourages people to bring their own bag when they shop for groceries, etc. It is great to hear that there are many customers who had responded positively, even though there are people who think it is unfair. Even though people think that it is unfair and are not used to bringing their own bag, i think that everyone should sacrifice a little for Mother Earth before it's too late. it sometimes really make me angry when i see people asking for plastic bags when they really do not need it at all and later throw it away.