PLASTIC BAGS

I think Japan is the most wasteful country I've been to. Wrapping, packaging, aluminium cans, PET bottles, disposable chopsticks and plastic bags are endlessly and generously distributed to the (seemingly) uncaring customers.

Of course, I know traditional attitutes in this country put strong emphasis on gift giving and on beautiful (often multi-layered) gift wrapping, so I won't be too judgemental.

However, I was pleasantly surprised at what I seen on the news last week. One of the bigger supermarket chains has started charging for their plastic bags at their Kyoto branch. This is following government pressure and the threat of future fines. The supermarket reported excellent results with no loss in profit. Over a one month period the percentage of customers bringing their own (reusuable) bag rose from 27% to 77% (or something like that). I think this is great, but also a little sad that people won't bring their own bags until you start charging them 5 yen (2 pence) and bag. Other branches and soon other supermarkets are expected to follow suit.