Merchants lauded the effect of the “plastic bag charge” measure yesterday, telling The Macau Post Daily that they are very willing to donate the money they collect on the one pataca they charge for a carrier bag requested by customers.
Since November 18, 2019, retailers have been officially required to charge customers one pataca for a plastic bag under the government’s Restrictions on the Provision of Plastic Bags Law , and the money customers pay for the plastic bag goes to the retailers.
The owner of a supermarket who only wanted to be identified by her surname, Chong, told The Macau Post Daily yesterday that since the measure came into effect, lots of customers are bringing their own shopping bag. Although some customers still choose to pay the one pataca fee rather than bring their own bag, more and more people have become aware of environmental protection through the measure, according to the businesswoman.
“I’m very willing to donate the fees I receive, if the government requested it,” Chong said.
Chong also said that the government should put more effort into promoting environmental protection, in order for more residents to be aware of the importance of protecting the environment.
A staff member of a local bakery told The Macau Post Daily that she supports the measure, because it “really helps” a lot in reducing the use of plastic bags, which helps to protect the environment.
Last week, the Environmental Protection Bureau (DSPA) said in a statement that in support of environmental protection more than 10 shops and other businesses, including supermarkets, restaurants, department stores and six hotels donated the fees they had received from the plastic bag charge to local charities for social welfare projects. A donation ceremony took place at the bureau’s headquarters on Thursday.
According to the statement, since the plastic bag charge took effect on November 18, 2019, the number of residents who are using their own bag while buying goods has continuously increased, and DSPA Director Raymond Tam Wai Man told reporters on the sidelines of Thursday’s ceremony he hoped that more merchants would participate and donate the money from the plastic bag charge for environmental protection work.
The statement added that the purpose of the plastic bag measure was not just about charging people but rather trying to create a lifestyle of using less plastic in society.
A sales assistant arranges goods in a supermarket in Areia Preta yesterday. Photo: Amy Chao
