The plastic bag levy will be in effect starting next year. The regulation will require about 2,000 selected outlets – mostly big supermarkets, convenience store chains and pharmacy or personal hygiene stores – to charge customers 50 HK cents per plastic bag. I think this still covers plastic bags that are biodegradable, same as what the green ones handed out by ParknShop.

However, Caroline Mak Sui-king, chairwoman of the Retail Management Association, wants the levy to be implemented across all retailers instead of the selected ones. She fears that placing tax on consumers in the current state of economy might turn them off and instead go to shops that are not covered by the policy to avoid the levy. These shops include wet markets and small dispensaries. I would believe that this is possible if people are willing go out of the way just to avoid the extra cost.

Currently, the no plastic bag policy is implemented every Tuesday, which I sometimes forget and if I don’t look at my receipt, I won’t be aware that I am charged extra for taking a plastic bag or two from Wellcome.

I understand that by implementing the levy across all retail sectors it will be important to maintain a level playing field and not make the government’s effort look like a half-baked initiative, which is like the no smoking policy.

It is easy to avoid the levy. People in Hong Kong often walk with bags. They can refuse plastic bags and instead place their purchases on their bags. Otherwise, bringing the environment friendly bags should also offer a solution to the plastic bag levy. The problem with some people is that they might only go shopping with the “I’m not a plastic bag – Anya Hindmarch” bags.

I believe that the economy should not be used as an excuse not to implement the levy.

If there is a will there is a way.

Photo credit: tomatofamily