Reducing Waste the European Way

The plan to charge for plastic bags has been in the work now since 2005, but major chains like Tesco have worked against the legislation saying it would be unfair to customers to charge for a commodity that was once free. However, in February of 2008 UK markets were finally forced to comply within 12 months, a law backed by Prime Minister Gordon Brown. 

But in Ireland, where the law has already been in affect for a number of years, the changes are very evident. Almost no one in line asked for or was issued a plastic bag, instead taking advantage of reusable cloth and recycled plastic shopping bags, as well as back packs and child strollers. Despite the chain’s initial refusal, even as little as a 5cent charge on these bags goes a long way towards lowering the usage. 

Another interesting practice is that of charging for receipts at ATMs or banks. With many banks offering online account monitoring, receipts have become a little-used commodity as it is, but with ATMs even more so. Most often ATM receipts end up in the trash right next to the machine, or stuffed into a purse or wallet, only to be thrown away latter. These little papers can add up to a lot of excess waste. By charging a small fee for them, people begin to think whether or not they need a receipt at all. Unlike simply asking yes or no for receipt, as is the custom at many gas stations in the US, the charge discourages frivolous printing, making this small tip go a long way. 

What both of these practices have in common, besides their ability to save waste, is the fee. It is more proof that one of the most efficient routes to preventing excess waste is to hit consumers in their wallets, highlighting that an earnest concern for the environment on behalf of the consumer is never quite as efficient as charging them for it.

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