Question

Suppose a municipality has yet to impose a plastic / paper fee and favored the “free market approach”. “What strategy would you suggest (other than governmental intervention) to encourage consumers to reduce their plastic / paper consumption?”

Answer 1

The value of reduction strategies is that they do not attempt to force sudden and abrupt changes in consumer shopping behaviour. They are rooted in the understanding that awareness building and public education are essential to behavioural change and it is a gradual process. And for the change to be lasting, it needs to be voluntary and based on choice.
Reduction strategies are designed to persuade and to educate, not dictate. These strategies recognize and build on the complexity of bag usage, consumer needs, and the necessity for bags for impulse purchases and to manage household waste.

Below ways or means can be used to encourage consumers to reduce the plastic waste:

1. The Adoption of Reusable Bags is Very Effective- The adoption of reusable bags, as an alternative to conventional plastic shopping bags, has been effective in many jurisdictions to change consumer behaviour and reduce the use of conventional plastic bags to carry groceries. Adoption is voluntary and at the discretion of the consumer. Conventional plastic bags are usually offered as an option and consumers make a choice. This helps build trial and experience with reusables.

2. Voluntary Bag Reduction Strategies- A review of voluntary reduction approaches to reduce the number of plastic shopping bags being distributed in different jurisdictions suggests that voluntary strategies can work when there is consumer buy-in, an acceptable bag alternative that meets local needs, and collective commitment to product stewardship.

3. Retailer Stewardship Strategies Focus on Public Education and Choice-  Retailers and grocers have shown considerable leadership and product stewardship responsibility on the issue of plastic shopping bags. They have implemented a number of awareness and conversion programs to reduce the number of non-essential bags being distributed at check out.

4. Bag Fees are Very Effective- Bag fees can be very effective in eliminating consumption of non-essential bags. Consumers purchase only the bags they need. Bag fees build awareness, educate, and promote wise use of bags at the consumer level. They also acknowledge the necessity for bags in everyday life by allowing consumer choice.