By Magdelene Ng

IF THERE is one thing I remembered best about my Hong Kong trip last month, it's neither the scrumptious meals nor my numerous purchases.

What I was most impressed by was the sheer dedication of the territory in implementing Bring Your Own Bag (BYOB), an environmental public-service campaign started in the 1990s to encourage people to keep the use of plastic shopping bags to a minimum.

This has been especially evident since the city's new Environmental Levy Scheme on Plastic Shopping Bags took effect in July.

Registered retailers - supermarkets, convenience stores, personal health and beauty stores - can charge customers a HK 50-cent (nine Singapore cents) levy for each bag given.

At participating retailers, the green message is loud and clear.

One can't miss the sign "Love Hong Kong - Bring Your Own Bag".

Then there is the green placard placed at each cash register which reads: "Use One Less. Save 50 Cents."

The movement has struck a chord with the public.

Out of 10 shoppers I saw, nine said no to plastic bags.

One shopper, who had a trolley filled with groceries, came well prepared with several reusable bags.

Of course, it helps that the eco-friendly bags on sale everywhere are durable and fashionable.

People usually have one or two tucked away in their handbags.

I myself bought five - so I can match them with my attire and make a "green" fashion statement.

Yes, in Singapore, we do have our own Bring Your Own Bag Day (BYOBD).

At NTUC FairPrice, this day falls on every Wednesday.

On top of that, on a daily basis, customers who take along their own bags are rewarded with a 10-cent rebate for a minimum purchase of $10.

When Singapore started the BYOBD two years ago, many supermarkets and retailers got involved and shoppers were enthusiastic.

However, after a few months, the enthusiasm died.

Nevertheless, I remain a diehard supporter.

I won't take a bag when I buy small items.

When I do accept a bag or two for my bulky groceries, I always recycle them.

So, why isn't BYOB widely practised here?

I have even witnessed some people asking for more bags to hold heavy items.

And cashiers dutifully oblige.

It's time we take a leaf out of Hong Kongers' book.

If legislation makes it mandatory to pay for plastic bags, would more shoppers in Singapore say no to the bags?

Maybe, maybe not. But it would be a good start.

myp@sph.com.sg

The writer is the assistant manager of Focus Publishing, the contract-publishing arm of the Chinese Newspaper Division of Singapore Press Holdings.

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