'Good riddance' to plastic bags

More than three-fourths of those who responded to an online poll by The Times believe that the eco-tax would contribute to a drastic reduction in the use of plastic bags.

Many consider the measure to be long overdue, judging by the results of the poll.

Eco-tax on harmful plastics just had to be introduced and present and future generations stood to gain from their reduction; enforcement should be taken seriously and tax collected channelled into waste management, said one of the respondents, who believes in the effect of the eco-tax.

The rest, 24.87 per cent, felt the newly introduced tax would not contribute to a drastic reduction in the use of plastic bags and commented that it was just a pretext for the government to raise more revenue.

The need for a proper educational campaign on the importance of eliminating plastic bags and their harmful effects on the environment, as well as waste separation at source, was emphasised.

It was pointed out that the Maltese only learn when their pockets are affected but it was also believed that people would get used to the cost and adjust as has happened in other instances.

"The government is right and should be encouraged when making tough decisions which, after all, will only help improve our standard of living," said one respondent.

The issue would "settle down" as was the case with the smoking ban in bars and restaurants, she maintained.

Quoting the Irish example, where the eco-tax was introduced without as much as a whine, one respondent said the government was able to receive some much-needed revenue while the environment received an "incredible boost".

While some considered the reduction of plastic bags a step in the right direction, they felt the method of going about it was wrong and "out of proportion".

On another positive note, a respondent pointed out that since the tax on plastic bags was introduced, no bags were left lying around the market place once the hawkers packed up. Everyone seems to be counting the cents and picking up any bags lying around, he observed.

Even though it was likely that the number of plastic bags would be reduced, there were fears that there would be more filth and that garbage bags would be used until they tore.

There were also fears of illegal dumping to avoid buying the costly garbage bags.

More waste would be thrown directly into bins and skips, which was not beneficial to health and safety, respondents said.

People were likely to empty the contents of their bags into soggy cardboard boxes to reuse them, with the resultant mess blowing in the wind, a respondent envisaged, pointing out the lack of hygiene.

The government was taking decisions "on the spur of the moment, without closely evaluation repercussions," another respondent felt.

"Where are we supposed to put our garbage now that plastic bags are becoming an endangered species? How about in some overloaded skip? Or would the government perhaps prefer the sea? Slowly, but surely, our salary is being eroded to the point that it will soon make little sense to go to work," complained one disgruntled respondent.