Progress in environmental matters? Or all those plastic bags!.

How do Cypriots measure up? An example is how plastic bags in supermarkets, kiosks, shops and bakeries are handled.

There are several “distinctions”, all of which don’t live up to those in the international context, whether we aspire to be European or part of the wider international society. In many countries, plastic bags need to be purchased, in others they are banned. India, for example initiated a law in 2005 where manufacturers and stores selling plastic bags will be fined Rs 5,000, while individuals using bags face penalties of Rs 1,000.

Here, we are still at the stage where at best, paper or canvas bags are offered for sale, and at worst people are forced to accept plastic bags. Starting with shops, the best we can hope for is that an international company gives out paper bags. At worst, you are told that you may not leave the shop without a plastic bag for security reasons.

And how do all these other countries do without those? Regarding supermarkets, a remarkable (?) change has happened. Two big chains actually sell canvas bags instead of selling the plastic bags so is this progress? One advertises an environmental awareness. But does it happen? Purchasing fruits, I have yet to see a place where those can be gathered in anything else than plastic bags.

When we, as customers, arrive at the cashiers, who are ultimately the ones who decide on what to do with our purchases, the final verdict is and has been that you have to inform them that you come equipped with a canvas bag. I have, in such incidences, endured many comments which ensured that I felt bad after any shopping experience, such as: “Are you sure you can carry this?” Yes, well, I have bought groceries for 40 years or so, so why wouldn’t I know? In addition, a known bakery chain insists that customers need to use plastic bags.

I recently went to a store where the cashier actually giggled at my request to carry out one item without taking any bags. Summarisng these reactions, it is not surprising that the younger generation resists the idea of taking a canvas bag or refuse a plastic bag.

Until recently, it was considered to be “gay” by my sons to do so. Where is the progress? There are less negative comments and pitying looks. Good enough? We have a long way to go and not much time to get there.

Annette Chrysostomou