Woolworths estimate an increase of R40 million in costs, Shoprite. The Chemical, Energy, Paper, Printing, Wood and Allied Workers' Union is concerned about job losses. The adverse effects need to be properly quantified. Phasing-out the use of PVC products and of polystyrene. It sees the need for a facilitated workshop, involving all the stakeholders, at which imaginative ideas could be found to the problem.
Plastic pollution is a problem.
Although there are objections to the proposed new legislation restricting the manufacture of bags, and there are other solutions to the problem, the Government's proposals have at least stimulated debate on the subject. Environmental Affairs Minister Valli Moosa is thus moving in the right direction with his proposal that they be outlawed. He needs to be careful, however, not to use a sledgehammer when a scalpel might be more appropriate. The consumers themselves. These are unidentified, but that doesn t matter because there are lots of self-appointed NGOs to speak for them.