Now, pay for plastic bags

CHENNAI: Carry your own bags when you go shopping, if you do not want to shell out a few extra bucks for plastic carry bags. More retailers in the city have started charging for plastic bags in accordance with the new rules framed by the Ministry of Environment and Forests for plastic waste management. Pantaloons, Lifestyle and Reliance Fresh are a few retail outlets that have already begun following the rules. In group messages sent out to its customers, these retailers have announced that they will be charging for plastic carry bags in accordance with the law and in a move to make the country eco-friendly. According to the Plastic Waste (management and handling) Rules, “No carry bags shall be made available free of cost by retailers to customers.” The rules have been framed keeping in mind the environmental consequences of plastic pollution. The concept of charging consumers for carry bags has already started to yield results elsewhere in the country. According to an observation by the Retailers Association of India, the use of plastic carry bags in Mumbai has dropped by 30 per cent, when pricing policy was introduced. The authorities are hoping for the same effect in cities such as Chennai. “The concept of pricing the carry bags will make you think twice whether you want to buy it. Only then it strikes you that carry bags are not environment friendly,” says Geetha, an IT employee. “Hence, this is a great method to wean away more people from buying plastics. It is not the price that irks the consumers. But a passive activity of getting free bags has been shaken. Now the consumers will think if he is doing the right thing,” she added.The challenge, according to Vanamali, a government employee, will be to bring the unorganised retailers and small-shop owners within the ambit of this law. “The local vegetable store or grocery still continues to provide plastic bags free of cost. The plastics they provide are much thinner and disposed more often than the thick durable carry bags provided in an apparels store or book shop. Hence, the law will only serve its purpose if the unorganised retailers are brought within the ambit,” she said.