4 ms·

Oh sure, I despise the ubiquitous hand-outs of plastic bags as much as anyone, I was just making that comment to give a reason for the weight-difference in spit

by Joe-Z 9y ago

Oh sure, I despise the ubiquitous hand-outs of plastic bags as much as anyone, I was just making that comment to give a reason for the weight-difference in spite of the perceived over-usage of packaging in Japan. I make it a point to refuse plastic bags whenever possible (which is pretty much always). I find it incredible that they are still considered the standard mode for packaging your shit. If shops would only give them out when asked for it, the number of used plastic bags would surely plummet. One anecdote I found amusing is when I was in Yosemite: I bought a couple of t-shirts and told the lady at the check-out she doesn't need to give me a plastic bag for them, since I have my backpack with me anyways. She was pleasantly surprised and thanked me. It's one of the most well-known national parks in the US, where they make it a point to educate people on taking care of your environment, yet they hand out plastic bags with every purchase in the souvenir shop.

CaptainZapp 9y ago
The two major retailers in Switzerland started to charge ~ 5 cents for those small, crappy plastic baggies. Usage went back by ~ 80%.
- esrauch 9y ago
  On the other hand there is still a lot of packaging per good in Switzerland: a lot more things are sold individually wrapped in plastic (cucumbers, peppers, etc) and things like baking soda are sold in much smaller packets.
  - CaptainZapp 9y ago
    Both, cucumbers and peppers are usually sold open. With the exception of organic produce. That's so that the cashier is able to make the distinction, since prices for organics are usually higher. Usually, because there are exceptions, like a three pack of peppers. Fennel also comes often pre-packed. Other veggies usually not. That's not to say that not a lot more could be done. What I tried to do with my comment is to pôint out that a tiny fee can really change behavior.

by Joe-Z 9y ago

CaptainZapp 9y ago

The two major retailers in Switzerland started to charge ~ 5 cents for those small, crappy plastic baggies. Usage went back by ~ 80%.

esrauch 9y ago
On the other hand there is still a lot of packaging per good in Switzerland: a lot more things are sold individually wrapped in plastic (cucumbers, peppers, etc) and things like baking soda are sold in much smaller packets.
- CaptainZapp 9y ago
  Both, cucumbers and peppers are usually sold open. With the exception of organic produce. That's so that the cashier is able to make the distinction, since prices for organics are usually higher. Usually, because there are exceptions, like a three pack of peppers. Fennel also comes often pre-packed. Other veggies usually not. That's not to say that not a lot more could be done. What I tried to do with my comment is to pôint out that a tiny fee can really change behavior.