The era of free plastic bags in Greece’s supermarkets will soon be over. A bill prepared by the Environment Ministry provides that Greek supermarkets will have to impose an extra charge on plastic bags consumers use to carry their purchases home.
What will be the charge? According to some media, the charge will be €0.08 per bag, other report of €0.05 to €0.10.
The new legislation will go in effect in 2018. A transition period with half the charge will be in effect until 30 June 2018.
The legislation is in accordance with relevant directives of the European Union.
The idea to charge for the plastic bags in supermarkets is not new. In fact, it was long due.
According to a survey of Greek Retail Research Institute, 4.3 billion plastic bags are been used in Greece per year. Only 1% is being recycled. it is not clear, though, whether it is just supermarket bags or plastic bags in general.
Greece reportedly tops the EU list of plastic bags per capita. A Greek would use 363 bags per year, while the EU average is 175.
Goal for the next two years is to reduce the use of plastic bags down to 90 per person per year.
According to the Greek Research Institute, a Greek consumer uses four plastic bags per supermarket visit. Bags are filled at 50%.
81% of respondents said they further use the bags for their waste.
In case of a charge, one out of ten respondents said to “pay for a plastic bag”.
57% of respondents said to “use a reusable bag.”
In order to raise consumer awareness and reduce the use of the plastic bag four large supermarket chains and the Consumer Goods Retailing Research Institute will launch campaign with the slogan “We care today to live better tomorrow”.
Read more here.
RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
Source: keeptalkinggreece.com
