Use.LesS

A simple home delivery meal from MacDonald's shows that plastic bags are used too freely.

The main burgers: paper bags
The sides: paper bags
3 Drinks: 3 plastic bags
Serviettes/condiments: plastic bags
Overall: 1 big plastic bag

How can I be lovin' it when the management of MacDonald's is oblivious to rampant usage of plastic bags?

Problems posed by plastic bags:
1. takes up to 1,000 years to degrade
2. cause harm to livestock, wildlife
3. cause sewer blockages (in some countries)

In Singapore, 2.5 billion plastic bags are used each year. When incinerated, carbon dioxide is released and the ultimate effect is global warming.

Someone has to lead the way. While I was in Australia, toiletries shop “Watsons” does not give out plastic bags. You bring your own bag and pack your purchases in them. Plastic bags are given only if you purchase sanitary pads. (oh, well)


Back in Singapore, NTU students are working in collaboration with Environmental Challenge Organization to raise awareness of responsible usage of plastic usage. http://www.minusplastic.youth.sg/

An article in Channelnewsasia further reports the efforts of these youths.

Singapore youths launch campaigns to reduce plastic usage http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/322171/1/.html

Well, plastic would be too big a category. For a start, we can do our part by reducing the usage of plastic bags. It is something that all of us are using everyday in one way or another.