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HONG KONG: From July 7, shoppers in Hong Kong will be taxed 50 cents per plastic bag in major supermarkets and shops across the city.
The new law aims to encourage people to bring their own bags to cut the mountains of waste in the city's landfills. The government has estimated that the tax could cut the number of bags used by a billion per year.
One shopper said: "There are a lot of places that give you free reusable bags and I think people can just make an effort and bring their own bag."
"I guess sometimes you forget to bring a bag and then you have to pay for it. But I think if it happens to you once, then the next time you'll remember to bring your own bag," another added.
Although environmentally conscious retailers welcome this move, they said there is likely to be some confusion over the new rule.
This is because the tax only covers shops selling food, medicine, health and beauty products, translating to over 2,000 stores and major supermarkets, and there will be no charge for plastic bags without handles.
Doreen Hong, consumer communications manager at organic and natural food store ThreeSixty, said: "What we do hope to see, however, is a more aggressive education campaign from the government to educate the public on the rationale behind this initiative.
"I think the public can be confused at this stage because only certain retailers are involved and not everyone knows that the levy actually goes to the government and not the retailer."
The government estimates that the tax could generate about US$26 million in yearly revenue. But residents are unclear about how the money will be used.
"If they use the 50 cents to try and do something about pollution, then that's okay. But what are they going to do with the 50 cents?" one shopper questioned.
Even though most Hong Kong residents said they are happy to do their part by bringing their own bag, it remains to be seen if the new law can really change people's habits.
- CNA/so
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