Ban on plastic bags push shoppers to carry own cloth bags

NEW DELHI (Scrap Monster): The statewide ban on plastic bags in Karnataka, India has forced customers to carry their own cloth bags while shopping.

Ban details

In a bid to ensure cleaner environment, the state administration had issued the plastic bag ban order on March 11^th, 2016. As per the terms of the ban, use of plastic bags, covers and sheets were completely banned in the state. The ban was applicable to all bags with thickness above 40 microns, thermocol and plastic beads. However, some categories of plastic bags were exempted from the ban. This includes plastic used for packing of milk and milk product and plastic bags manufactured exclusively for export purpose in SEZs and export-oriented units.Also,plastic bags used for growing seedlings in nurseries are exempted from the ban.

High Court petition

Following notification of the ban, plastic manufacturers and traders had filed a petition in State High Court challenging the ban. The Court had dismissed the petition saying that the petitioners had an alternative remedy to question the ban in National Green Tribunal (NGT) as it comes under the environmental issues covered under the NGT Act, Schedule 1.

Survey findings

The results of a recent survey conducted by the Times of India (TOI) indicate encouraging results. The number of shoppers bringing their own carry bags has seen huge increase ever since the ban was implemented. Nearly 40-50% of customers were found be bringing their own cloth bags. This is significantly when compared with 5-10% before introduction of the ban. The survey conducted among households revealed that over 51% of them carry own bags while shopping, considerably higher when matched with the rate of 16% prior to ban. The survey also found that cloth bags were more popular than paper bags, mainly on account of two reasons. Firstly, paper bags are not durable. Also, they are not water-proof as compared with other bags.

Inconstancy

Survey conducted at random stores revealed that even after one and a half months of implementation of the plastic bag ban, a large number of small retail stores were still using plastic bags. Out of 81 stores, 34 were found violating the ban rule. However, big brands and larger outlets were found to have shifted to either paper or cloth bags. Some provision stores were found renting out cloth bags to customers for a deposit of Rs 20 per bag, which will be reimbursed to them upon returning the bag.

Devotees

The ban decision has affected devotees who perform various ‘poojas’ at city temples. Ban on plastic bags have forced temple authorities to discontinue certain poojas which used to serve prasadams in plastic cups. Devotees are forced to opt for more expensive poojas.

Fines

Authorities noted that violators of plastic bag ban will be fined hereafter. The people who use plastic bags will be fined Rs. 500 for the first time. Repeat offenders will have to pay Rs. 1,000. Also, the provision allows bag manufacturers to be fine dup to Rs. 5 lakhs. The state has directed that respective zonal officials must ensure that the ban is followed strictly so as to eradicate plastic waste from the state.

Last but not least

The City of Bangalore alone generates nearly over 1,000 tonnes of plastic garbage every day.