I find it very disturbing when ST published news that Ikea will charge up to 10cts per plastic bag, and interviewed some ppl who are less than willing to pay.  A reason that came out was that the bags serve as advertisements, so why should consumers pay.  Very disturbing, considering Ikea is planning to use the money raised for global conservation efforts.

I recall when I was in Taiwan, convenience stores charge for plastic bags.  Nobody really minded, or maybe it’s been a rule for too long.  I don’t mind paying for a bag when I have alot of stuff to carry, and of course if i’m buying one item, I wouldn’t pay for a bag.  Taiwan’s also very advanced in terms of her recycling effort, thrash are sorted out and different types are collected on a fixed day each week.  Monday would be a waste food day, tuesday could be metal cans day.  You miss the truck u wait for next wk, so it’s up to the residents.

I think singaporeans are missing the point altogether, the ppl interviewed are seeing it as Ikea trying to profit from the plastic bags.  As much as the govt tries to campaign for conservation and recycling with that silly green frog, nothing beats the pinch of the wallet.  Time to go beyond campaigning and legislate instead.  Campaigning works for ppl who are not too blind or self-indulged to realise how selfish they have been behaving. 

Here is a challenge to the supermarket chains, pls charge for the bags.  I doubt Cold Storage management’s words would come true, they feel they can lose customers this way.  If all the chains are willing to collaborate on this, consumers won’t have a choice and either pay for bags or forgo them.