![Eco-Friendly Shopping Bag by ThreadBeaur on Flickr [photo used with permission of photographer]](http://lh5.ggpht.com/_nHPS76Hpj2w/Su5bqt5kn-I/AAAAAAAAAes/-8wurFUd_20/s1600-h/3727019255_3486e42d25_m6.jpg "Eco-Friendly Shopping Bag by ThreadBeaur on Flickr [photo used with permission of photographer]")
In an attempt to cut down on the environmental blight of plastic bags, the provincial legislature of Buenos Aires passed a measure banning the use of environmentally-unfriendly bags in supermarkets. As of October 15, 2009, supermarkets and hypermarkets in the Province of Buenos Aires must use degradable or biodegradable bags. Smaller markets were given an additional year to come into compliance with the law.
A few months back, in preparation for the new law, displays of reusable cloth "Eco-bolsas" sprang up at our local supermarkets with a bit of signage explaining the benefits of using reusable shopping bags. While the plastic bag legislation represents an important step forward, I applaud the modest efforts at raising environmental awareness and promoting green alternatives (even if they are partially [or completely] financially motivated).
Daniel and I usually bring our reusable cloth shopping bag with us when we run errands around town, and we frequently get funny looks for refusing a plastic bag. It seems that some cashiers have an instinctive reflex to bag even the smallest item, and sometimes they just won't take "no" for answer. At least now when customers are bullied into taking a grocery bag, they'll receive a more environmentally-sound option at the supermarket checkout thanks to the new law.
Unfortunately, litter and waste management are real problems here in Argentina. While the issue of plastic bags may seem like a drop in the bucket in comparison to the country's larger problem of trash and what to do with it, it's promising to see that the province is taking a step toward a greener Argentina.
For more information about the law, take a look here and here.
Photo credit: ThreadBeaur
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2 comments:
Katie, this is all well and good, and yes, a step forward in a way. But the first step should be organizing the trash pick up in the streets. The residents of Buenos Aires have to use those supermarket plastic bags to contain our trash as there are no bins. We tie up our garbage in plastic bags and put them on the sidewalks to wait for the cartoneros and/or the city trash trucks.
Until this systems changes and bins are supplied, we are going to have to use plastic bags. Probably now we'll have to just buy them instead of using the free ones from the stores.
Cherie, I can't speak to the situation in the capital, but the supermarkets here in Necochea are still handing out bags for free. The only difference I've noted is that the bags now have an emblem showing that they are biodegradable. Are you being charged for bags at the supermarket?
I agree that the handling of trash and the lack of recycling programs are a major problem; however, there is still a plentiful supply of bags available to put out trash - it's just that now they're biodegradable.
It's also worth noting that the ban on plastic bags that exists for Capital Federal differs from the law passed by the provincial legislature. Here's more info on the law that was passed in the City of Buenos Aires: http://www.argentinepost.com/2009/08/buenos-aires-passes-ban-on-plastic-bags.html
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