Start using reusable bags, Bruneians told
Stop using plastic bags: Local shoppers seen using plastic bags at a shopping mall. Picture: BT/Zamri Zainal
Sunday, September 7, 2008
BRUNEIANS need to be educated on the harmful effects of plastic bags to the environment, and should start using reusable bags instead.
A 27-year-old frequent shopper who did not want be named, said that some Bruneians do not know the adverse effects of plastic bags, which can cause pollution.
"Those who do know the harmful effects don't practice the habit of using reusable bags themselves."
"I should, but I don't (use a reusable bag). I'm sorry. If I got the bags, I'd probably forget to put them in the car, said Hjh Mariah Hj Othman.
"I can hardly remember what I need to get here, let alone bring my own bags," the mother of four added.
Hjh Siti Nor Faezah Hj Abd Rahman, 24, said that educating the older generation to use reusable bags would be a big challenge.
She said that her parents heard of the harmful effects of plastic bags but "they just don't understand it".
Lim Lin Teck echoed the same sentiments.While Lim is comfortably using reusable bags to grocery stores, his family is still adjusting to the idea.
"I remind them whenever I can," said the Kuala Belait resident. "But because they don't see many people using it, they feel awkward to use it themselves."
When he returned to the country from Australia last year, Lim brought with him the energy-conscious lifestyle in Australia.
Lim, 24, said he is still playing his part in protecting the environment by using reusable bags. "I'm still doing it even when I got back to Brunei now," he said.
He has two reusable bags which he brings whenever he visits the supermarket. "I have two of those with me all the time; one for cold items and one for general items."
Lim, a banker, suggested the idea of charging customers who wants to use plastic bags, where the money paid for the plastic bags can be donated to charity.
Aleem Mujrah, a business centre executive, said that he has never come across anyone using reusable bags whenever he visits the grocery stores. "I still see people stuffing the groceries in the plastic bags," he said, adding that it is a win-win situation.
The Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation has been running campaigns to curb plastic bag usage with the support of private companies and retailers. The department recently distributed a total of 1,050 environment-friendly bags in all four districts. (JQR1)
The Brunei Times
A 27-year-old frequent shopper who did not want be named, said that some Bruneians do not know the adverse effects of plastic bags, which can cause pollution.
"Those who do know the harmful effects don't practice the habit of using reusable bags themselves."
"I should, but I don't (use a reusable bag). I'm sorry. If I got the bags, I'd probably forget to put them in the car, said Hjh Mariah Hj Othman.
"I can hardly remember what I need to get here, let alone bring my own bags," the mother of four added.
Hjh Siti Nor Faezah Hj Abd Rahman, 24, said that educating the older generation to use reusable bags would be a big challenge.
She said that her parents heard of the harmful effects of plastic bags but "they just don't understand it".
Lim Lin Teck echoed the same sentiments.While Lim is comfortably using reusable bags to grocery stores, his family is still adjusting to the idea.
"I remind them whenever I can," said the Kuala Belait resident. "But because they don't see many people using it, they feel awkward to use it themselves."
When he returned to the country from Australia last year, Lim brought with him the energy-conscious lifestyle in Australia.
Lim, 24, said he is still playing his part in protecting the environment by using reusable bags. "I'm still doing it even when I got back to Brunei now," he said.
He has two reusable bags which he brings whenever he visits the supermarket. "I have two of those with me all the time; one for cold items and one for general items."
Lim, a banker, suggested the idea of charging customers who wants to use plastic bags, where the money paid for the plastic bags can be donated to charity.
Aleem Mujrah, a business centre executive, said that he has never come across anyone using reusable bags whenever he visits the grocery stores. "I still see people stuffing the groceries in the plastic bags," he said, adding that it is a win-win situation.
The Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation has been running campaigns to curb plastic bag usage with the support of private companies and retailers. The department recently distributed a total of 1,050 environment-friendly bags in all four districts. (JQR1)
The Brunei Times
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