Single use bags

It was with interest that I read a letter (Gaz 26/6) giving a different view on the use of plastic shopping bags.

The letter pointed out was the risk to our health with the use of permanent shopping bags.

It has crossed my mind that these bags would collect different types of bacteria and bugs, but research has also shown that when we get in contact with different types of bugs, they will help us build a stronger immune system.

These days it is hard enough to be exposed to a magnitude of bugs, even in small quantities, with bacteria killing dispensers everywhere.

There are many EU countries where they haven’t used plastic bags for years, no increase of infectious diseases, shoppers feeling good about themselves, and far less plastic waste. As I read this week the EU is making it a law to ban one use plastic bags.

Now with daily pictures of plastic waste in the news, landfill, beaches, floating island of plastic in the ocean, seabirds and other sea animals full of plastic, how can anyone suggest that plastic bags lessen a risk to our health and therefore should not be banned. It is not the plastic at fault, it is the way we dispose of it, mainly in an irresponsible matter.

As for any one who is worried about foreign bugs living in their shopping bag, can I suggest to move into a glass bubble, and when venturing out of your bubble, wear a space suit. This would eliminate any risk of getting in contact with bacteria, plus you would be able to carry re-usable shopping bags with your spacesuit gloves on. Michael Tammes, Warragul

Bricks to Woolworths for its backflip on plastic bags and giving in to whinging customers. Surely we as consumers had enough notice that plastic bags would disappear from our checkouts and from June 20 it was bring your own or purchase a re-useable plastic bag. People will always complain when there is change - and will continue to complain. Giving customers an extra 10 days to get used to the new no plastic bags in Woolworths supermarkets was disappointing. Take a stand and stick to it.