Quezon City's move to regulate the use of plastic bags which started September 1 earned the support of the Plastic Industry.

According to Mr. Crispian Lao*, spokesperson for the industry, "The QC move is not a ban. It still allows the public to choose plastic or something else like paper. So if, for instance, you are buying a kilo of rice, you will not be forced to use paper because you can opt for a plastic bag, which is more convenient in this case."

He also said that Quezon City is also pushing for recycling, which is key to waste management, adding this is the more scientific and enlightened approach as done elsewhere in the world because plastic is completely recyclable.

Mr. Lao claimed that: "The plastic ban offers no benefit to the people. It is just politically appealing. It is also bad actually for the environment because it results in more paper use which requires the cutting of trees, and the use of more water and power for production."

Mr. Lao also said that people have been made to believe that plastic is to blame for floods.

"Many areas in Muntinlupa and other areas are still flooded up to now despite the plastic ban. The real reason is our refusal to responsibly dispose of our trash, aside from our old sewers, lost manholes and a broken garbage collection and disposal system."

If these are the real reasons, he said, the solution is not a plastic ban but the enforcement of waste segregation.

"Even if we ban plastic throughout the Philippines, we will still have floods and we will still have a lot of trash because we refuse to see the solution which means each of us must work and do our share. The ban is our escape but it will not work," he said.

In part, the QC regulation calls for thicker plastic bags. It also encourages people to exchange their old plastic bags for a new one. If none is offered for replacement, a P2 charge will be imposed.

Discounts will also be encouraged to be given to buyers who bring their own bags, whether plastic or not.

*based from the Manila Bulletin article, September 10, 2012
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/372958/industry-backs-qc-plastic-regulation

Related article: QC Regulates Plastic Bag Use