| MORE than 2,000 stores are to implement a ‘no | | | | voluntary scheme will be open to all retailers who |
| plastic bag' scheme seven days a week. | | | | show an interest. |
| From March 3, the initiative1 – the brainchild2 of | | | | The association maintains that voluntary measures |
| the Hong Kong Retail Management Association – | | | | could help the government reduce plastic-bag |
| will be extended to outlets3 across the territory, | | | | consumption by more than 50 percent to roughly |
| according to chairwoman Caroline Mak Sui-king. | | | | 400 million from 820 million in 2005. |
| The scheme is currently operated only by major | | | | It also quoted a 2005 government report that found |
| supermarket chains – and on Tuesdays only. | | | | "the government [should] continue with its voluntary |
| Mak denied the association is seeking to pre-empt a | | | | initiative." |
| coming Legislative Council session on the long-awaited | | | | After reading the report, I know how important |
| plastic bag levy. | | | | ditching plastic bags are. I write this article is to |
| Cashiers will ask shoppers if they require plastic bags, | | | | appeal more and more people join the plan that |
| but they will still have the option of making a | | | | ditching plastic bags from now on. It is easy for us to |
| donation for them with the 18 companies involved. | | | | take action. Remember to carry shopping bags with |
| Mak said the campaign is not intended to run counter | | | | you when you go to super market. |
| to the levy – which the association has derided4 | | | | We can calculate that if one people refuse one |
| as biased toward large chain stores – adding it is | | | | plastic bag every day, which means that one people |
| more of a promotional campaign to help educate | | | | can save 365 plastic bags a year. Our earth is |
| consumers and encourage customers to bring their | | | | seriously polluted by different kinds of rubbish. We |
| own bags. | | | | have the responsibility to protect our earth. Insist on |
| "We could have done it earlier or better, but better | | | | no plastic bag. |
| late than never," she said, adding the strictly | | | | |