Sun backs plastic bag charge

The Bermuda Sun has thrown its weight behind a campaign to reduce plastic and paper bag use on the island.

Greenrock launched the petition earlier this year by asking the Government to impose a small mandatory retail charge on single use bags to deter their use in stores.

So far it has attracted more than 350 signatures and Environment Minister Sylvan Richards recently told the Bermuda Sun that he would support the
project.

Now the Sun has joined other charities and media outlets in backing the
campaign.

Acting General Manager of Mediahouse, Glenn Jones said: “This idea makes sense for the environment, for our community and for our family-owned company.

“The Bermuda Sun is happy to stand with Greenrock, KBB and all of our neighbours who care deeply about making our island home more sustainable.”

The campaign to deter islanders from using single use bags has attracted widespread support, but Greenrock President Judith Landsberg admits that movement of the
petition is slow.

She told the Sun: “It is interesting that when we are asking islanders to do something environmental, for example object to Tucker’s Point SDO, then people will sign up quickly

“However, when we ask them to support something which directly affects their choices, even if they agree, they are slower to support it.

“I believe this really speaks to the fact that we are so used to convenience, a disposal lifestyle, that we think we can’t change, but it has been shown that it takes three to four weeks to break a habit, and this is just another habit.”

Greenrock plan to take their petition to the Sustainable Development Unit and talk to Government as well as the Tourism Department to provide tourists with reusable bags to promote Bermuda as ‘green destination’.

Anne Hyde, Executive Director of Keep Bermuda Beautiful, added: “KBB fully supports Greenrock’s campaign. 

“KBB is a member of the research collaboration of the Bermuda Marine Debris Taskforce.

“We certainly see loads of plastic and paper bags littered across the Island.

“Reduce” is the first word of the familiar “Reduce, Re-Use, Recycle” and the most important first step to take.

“We want to reduce the bag consumption on the Island.” 

To sign the petition go to: www.greenrock.org/news/blog/995-say-no-thanks-to-single-use-bags