Why not biodegradable polybags?
Friday, 14 November 2008
Mozzamel Haque
THE ban on polybags was well received in some quarters out of a concern for the environment. But the ban is taken casually now as there is no compulsion to take it seriously.
The polybags have staged a comeback since the ban was imposed about four years ago. Polybags that once disappeared from bazaars and stores are now used by shopkeepers. Shopkeepers no longer hesitate to service their customers with these bags.
People will not, on their own, stop using polybags as long as they are not forced to do so by strict law enforcement. As it is, polythene bags are cheaper and convenient to use than the substitutes. So, the users are unlikely to give them up. Jute and paper bags, the alternatives cost more. Besides, being stronger polybags are preferred by shoppers, and not the paper bags, which tear easily. There is nothing like polybags for convenient use. Therefore, people are reluctant to give up the use of polybags. As it is, a product's use depends considerably on consumers' taste. When consumers prefer a product, it becomes difficult to prohibit or discourage its use.
Polybags are still extensively used in developed countries. They have not banned it. But they produce and use bio-degradable polybags. As polybags do not decompose and block drainage channels, they are not liked in Bangladesh. But new technology at affordable costs can be used in Bangladesh to produce bio-degradable polybags. Such polybags should not cost more than the ones now in use in Bangladesh. The best way, therefore, is not to ban of polybags but to opt for the environment-friendly polybags. It would also meet consumers' preferences.
The relevant ministry had taken hasty actions to ban the bags, while it should have acted more sensibly. There is no point to take decision when it cannot be enforced. Even more undesirable is taking a decision by not exploring better options.
THE ban on polybags was well received in some quarters out of a concern for the environment. But the ban is taken casually now as there is no compulsion to take it seriously.
The polybags have staged a comeback since the ban was imposed about four years ago. Polybags that once disappeared from bazaars and stores are now used by shopkeepers. Shopkeepers no longer hesitate to service their customers with these bags.
People will not, on their own, stop using polybags as long as they are not forced to do so by strict law enforcement. As it is, polythene bags are cheaper and convenient to use than the substitutes. So, the users are unlikely to give them up. Jute and paper bags, the alternatives cost more. Besides, being stronger polybags are preferred by shoppers, and not the paper bags, which tear easily. There is nothing like polybags for convenient use. Therefore, people are reluctant to give up the use of polybags. As it is, a product's use depends considerably on consumers' taste. When consumers prefer a product, it becomes difficult to prohibit or discourage its use.
Polybags are still extensively used in developed countries. They have not banned it. But they produce and use bio-degradable polybags. As polybags do not decompose and block drainage channels, they are not liked in Bangladesh. But new technology at affordable costs can be used in Bangladesh to produce bio-degradable polybags. Such polybags should not cost more than the ones now in use in Bangladesh. The best way, therefore, is not to ban of polybags but to opt for the environment-friendly polybags. It would also meet consumers' preferences.
The relevant ministry had taken hasty actions to ban the bags, while it should have acted more sensibly. There is no point to take decision when it cannot be enforced. Even more undesirable is taking a decision by not exploring better options.