As a self-confessed shopaholic, I was once guilty of
not using recyclable bags. Whenever I walked into posh departmental
stores, hypermarkets or grocery shops, I didn’t think twice
about accepting my purchases in a plastic bag.
After years of collecting plastic bags with brand names
emblazoned across them in a drawer which can’t be closed
because of its contents, now I actually use a recyclable
bag. My reason for turning over a new leaf: a back-breaking
grocery trip with my family recently.
I was caught the first Saturday when the Selangor government
implemented the ‘No Plastic Bag Day’ in January 2010. When
we were at a hypermarket, we realised that all the shoppers
who had paid left with their purchases in their trolleys,
all arranged haphazardly.
It was only when we reached the checkout counter that the
cashier told us that they were not supposed to give out
plastic bags unless customers paid 20 sen a bag!
We decided to get one of those plastic bags that they claim
can be exchanged for a new one once the old one gave out,
without any limit, for just 99 sen. Ever the shopaholic,
I thought the bag displayed near the cashier was a great
buy.
But it was still a plastic bag, and started to show signs
of giving way after being filled with a few items. So we
decided to leave the bulkier items in the trolley, just
in case it broke. Later, we had ‘fun’ experiencing transferring
all the items one by one into the car boot.
After that incident, I vowed to get a few recyclable bags
which I keep in my bag and car, just in case I have the
sudden urge to go shopping.
Did you know that all the money from the sale of plastic
bags is donated to the state Hardcore Poverty Programme
in Penang? Meanwhile, Carrefour and IKEA customers who choose
to pay for plastic bags should be glad to hear that the
money would be channelled to the Malaysian Nature Society
(MNS).
But if you prefer to use recyclable bags instead, Tesco
has a programme that rewards their customers with Tesco
Green Clubcard points each time they use their own bags
or the Tesco reusable bags available at all Tesco stores.
The points are then converted into Clubcard Cash Vouchers
which can be used to offset the cost of purchases made at
any Tesco and Tesco Extra stores.
So, what are you waiting for, get a recyclable bag for more
savings, while saving Mother Nature at the same time! |
