Chisato Jono, a spokeswoman for Greenpeace in Japan, commenting on the Japanese government's introduction of a mandatory fee of between 3 and 5 yen for each plastic bag at retail outlets, in an effort to cut down on plastic waste.
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Some businesses in Japan are scared that shoppers will complain if they don't hand them items in plastic bags, but if customers say they don't need them, businesses will be more inclined to change, too.
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12 Comments
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zatoizugoodo
It's become quite annoying to have to ask for a bag when you've bought 20 items. Don't you think I need a bag? Just charge me the minuscule 3 or 5 yen automatically if items purchased are over a certain number.
Cricky
The staff question, do you need a bag? If nothing else gives me pause to reflect.....do I really need a bag? Like putting on a mask, I forget sometimes it's not normal for me I need now to prepare to go to the shop. I grab a mask and a bag. Not so hard. Just personal training is needed. But I do still forget sometimes.
timeon
wow, I remember the people complaining that they have to press the ok button when buying alcohol. You just say "yes, please" or "no, thank you", what can possibly be so inconvenient?
Luddite
Nonsense. I’ve not seen anyone complain if they needed a bag. Most people seem to bring their own bags now.
that person
Get with the program, people. I’m talking to the businesses, the people and you, zatoizugoodo
Michael Machida
Charging for bags is wrong and I do not understand why people are not angry about this? Now, the stores are in the business of selling bags. And I do not buy into the line of thinking that we all need to conserve due to fish being tangled up in plastic. Selling the plastic bags is big business now. And I am shopping in your stores! Brilliant plan for businesses to make more money. How much is ¥3 times 20 million people?
Mickelicious
Wow, that's tame for Greenpeace, but businesses here are well protected from consumers and others who might challenge them.
BertieWooster
My standard reply to, "Do you need a bag?" is "Why? Each item is already in a bag. I can easily carry two items. What on Earth would I need another bag for?"
bass4funk
I hate plastic bags, never use them unless it’s absolutely necessary. Either I carry my items or I bring my own bag and I’ve been doing that when I was in the States way back. If they stop giving out plastic bags altogether people would eventually bring their own bags and I don’t think it’s a bad idea if they did that, better for the environment.
Mickelicious
Hear, hear!
kurisupisu
There is little to be ‘scared’ of in Japan