I am eagerly awaiting this week to see if finally the charge for plastic bags actually takes place in the supermarkets. It seems it was about seven years ago that the Conservation and Fisheries Department tried to introduce reusable bags during Environment Month in June. Since then every year there are mumbles and attempts and promises that it’s going to happen. But along with others, I am a bit sceptical. Seems the supermarkets aren’t at all proud about this fantastic initiative. Are there affordable reusable bags available in quantity in the supermarkets? No, there are not. Are there any notices by the supermarkets to advise customers that from this week we will be paying 15 cents per plastic bag? No: I haven’t seen a single notice.
It seems to me the supermarkets should strut their stuff and be proud that they are doing this as an effort to cut down on our garbage and pollution crisis in the Virgin Islands, but I have yet to see any sign of pride.
However, I will say there has been a tiny little bit of positive reaction from the checkout personnel and the baggers at the supermarket I use most frequently. Until a few months ago, the baggers walked away when I put my reusable bags on the counter. They aren’t doing that of late, and recently I don’t seem to fight for my 10-cent credit for bringing my own bags. Like many of my friends, I will be taking my business to the supermarket that actively discourages the use of plastic bags. Fingers crossed it works.
{fcomment}