Say “No” to Plastic Bags
There has been a lot of talk over the last few years about the use of plastic bags at convenience stores and supermarkets. More recently, there has been a lot of discussion on the letter’s page of the Bangkok Post. Â Mainly criticizing Tesco Lotus. However, in my own experience, the only way we can stop this misuse of plastic bags is if we do something ourselves. Why blame the conglomerates when all we have to say is “No, thank you”.
To help keep fit, and also to save the environment (honestly), I cycle to my local Tesco Lotus store. As you can see from the picture above, I have my own bags. So, at the checkout, I just say “No, thank you” to the plastic bags. Quite simple. In fact, Tesco, and I think Tops as well, give you points on your Clubcard if you use your own bags. The only time that I request plastic bags is when I’m running low on bin liners at home. And before more people jump on the band wagon to criticize the shops, Tesco has also piloted two express stores, one in Samui and the other Phuket, that have a “No Plastic Bag” policy.
At least they are doing there bit. What about you? Do you refuse multiple plastic bags when you visit 7-Eleven?
I consider myself an environmentalist and i’ve been fighting for eco causes in Thailand for 10 year and with some success, although not enough in my opinion. I agree we all need to do our part, but waiting for all to do their part simply is not a realistic solution. We would wait forever and things would just get worse. Pressure does need to be put on governments, business, and the modern throw away culture that we live in. There are petitions on change.org now trying to do this with 7-11 and Villa. More customers speaking up is certainly needed.
I make a point of refusing many of the bags I’m given at 7-11. So much so, that I think some employees think I’m just being a jerk. I’d like to learn how to say “Save the environment” in Thai so I can explain my actions to them.
I do my bit. I arrange my frozen food, tins, fruit, and hardware items so that they are all mixed up on the conveyor belt.
The assistant then gives me at least a dozen, if not more, bags as she tries to sort similar contents into the bags… and gives up.
I now have a huge supply of plastic bags at home which I keep in a couple of giant plastic bags. I will use these bags when and if this ridiculous “no plastic” policy ever catches on – which, as you can guess by now, I think is total lunacy.
Nothing will replace cheap (i.e. free), strong, light, water/rain proof bags that can be screwed up into zero space for storage and be reused many times.
The elephant in the room is so large it is ridiculous that it is not the number one item on the agenda. And that is littering by Thai people. If you think I am being bigoted… tough. I have never seen so much rubbish thrown away or left on a beach by so many Thai people.
There should be “Keep Thailand Tidy” adverts on TV during every break. There should be public rubbish bins (bolted to the ground, of course) in every location where people shop, eat, walk.
Don’t blame it on the bags, blame it on the people for throwing the bags into the street, and the local administration for not providing bins.
Flame on!
I can’t say that I agree with the first part of your message but regarding rubbish: I am afraid it is Thai culture – like their driving, they couldn’t care less and is another National disgrace. Every town and City in Thailand is one huge rubbish tip, in the streets, in people’s properties(inside and out)It’s not only plastic bags either! And whoever saw a Thai house with a Thai family having a lovely cared for garden?