Charge on Plastic Bags in Japan
Plastic waste has been reduced as more people bring their own shopping bags
Bring your own shopping bag - a new way to reduce plastic waste in Japan.
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Plastic waste has been reduced as more people bring their own shopping bags. The implementation of a system that charges consumers for plastic shopping bags has resulted in a reduction in plastic waste. In Japan, shoppers are accustomed to being given free plastic bags when buying goods at convenience stores and supermarkets.
Consumers are now bringing their own shopping bag
But as global warming and other environmental problems worsen due to increases in waste from plastic products, which do not decompose, there is a growing awareness among Japanese consumers that they should consider reducing the use of disposable plastic bags.
Source: pixabay.com
In June last year, the National Diet enacted a bill to oblige businesses to reduce their use of disposable plastics and to promote recycling of plastic products by charging customers for disposable plastic bags. The government also mentioned that it will promote an alternative use for discarded plastic bags by recycling them into other products such as building materials or clothing.
Source: Inside Japanese Diet by Chris73
The law took effect in April of this year, and most major department stores, convenience stores and supermarkets began charging customers for plastic bags depending on their size.
An advisory about the charge on shopping bags.
The plastic bag charge has been a success. In the first 6 months of its introduction, waste from plastic bags was reduced by 83%. It's now estimated that about 500 million fewer bags are used each year. A similar law should be implemented in the Philippines to reduce the country’s carbon footprint and raise awareness of its people about the importance of recycling and global warming. How about you? Are you getting used to bringing your own shopping bag when you go shopping lately?
A shopper with a plastic shopping bag.
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