A plastic tax is not enough

After some hesitation, the Prayut Chan-o-cha government has finally decided to kick off a campaign to cut back on the use of plastic bags starting tomorrow thanks to cooperation from shopping malls and major convenience stores. Though the campaign has good intentions, it is short of being a praiseworthy effort.

The “Everyday Say No to Plastic Bag” campaign — in which 40 stores have agreed to participate — will require customers who demand plastic bags while shopping at stores to pay 2 baht to 3 baht per bag. The participation of these outlets is noteworthy since they contribute at least 60% of the total amount of plastic bags in circulation.

It has been said that the money earned by these stores will go to an environmental protection fund. For example, CP All, which operates more than 11,000 7-Eleven convenience stores has told local media of the success of a previous campaign between July last year and September this year in which customers turned down 633 million plastic bags. The company is aiming to raise this number to one billion bags by year’s end. Moreover, it added it had channelled the costs it saved from handing out free plastic bags to hospitals and the Public Health Ministry.

Over the past few months, a growing number of stores have agreed to enforce a no-free-plastic-bag policy on certain dates. Meanwhile, the government has also moved its slated campaign start date ahead of schedule following the tragic death of the young dugong Marium, who was found with plastic waste stuffed in her stomach, earlier this year.

However, the no-plastic-bag campaign, which is based on voluntary action is still comparatively mild compared to some countries which stiffly prohibit the use and recycling of single-use plastic bags. Those who fail to follow these laws are given harsh penalties including imprisonment. Yet Thai consumers will still have the luxury of using their old bags when purchasing products while outlets will still be able to provide such bags to their clients until the end of next year at least.

The Natural Resources and the Environment Ministry which rolled out a plastic management roadmap (20182030) told the media that it is considering issuing a law to make the use of non-degradable plastic bags illegal by 2021. It seems quite certain that the move will face challenges due to heavy lobbying by plastic bag makers who will demand compensation for the loss in business.

However, the state must keep on with its effort. Any help demanded by the business sector in the form of tax measures or for research — especially those concerning “green plastic” alternatives — during the technology transition should be out of the question and cash compensation should be a strict no-no.

While some people have willingly reduced their reliance on plastic bags, there are a number of consumers who are upset with the campaign, as it will make their lives less comfortable. Tote bags, they complain, are a burden.

But the fact is that Thailand is the world’s sixth-biggest plastic polluter. The nation pumps tonnes of plastic waste into the sea which only contributes to its “business as usual” image.

People must realise that harm caused by singleuse plastic bags affects all creatures, especially from the impact of micro-plastic contamination which has emerged as a threat to public health. It is the responsibility of all the people to change their unhealthy habit.

While cash tactics are a quick way to make people realise and adopt a greener lifestyle, the state should not stop at that and continue raising awareness.