I never ever, not in a million years, imagined that I would one day be congratulating a government agency.But today I must step on my pride, bury my cynicism and do just that.
The SAQ (Québec’s liquor board) are getting rid of single use bags in their stores. Beginning in September, customers will be charged if they want bags. By the end of the year single use bags will be phased out altogether.
The SAQ have made reusable bags available since 2005, and they replace worn bags for free. Bravo to them for being the first to step up to the plate. Well bravo from me anyway, I’ve been using reusable bags for ages now, so I won't have to be making any changes in my habits.
Wait! Wait!... there is a bit of cynicism that refuses to be hidden away… it’s pushing at my fingers… I’m sorry, I can’t help it… The evil little voice must have its say. It can’t help but wonder how much money the SAQ will save on bags and what proportion of those savings will be passed on to the consumer.
None?
Ya think?
16 comments:
they will probably donate all the money to the devil
What's a single use bag? When we go to the liquor store we fill up one of their(used)boxes. And speaking of fingers, how is Mr. Slicey?
Furiousball - but they ARE the devil.
Geewits - Single use = the plastic or paper bags they give you in the store. The ones that end up in landfills forever. As for Mr. Slicey, he's doing quite well. Pretty much totally healed up. It's actually amazing how quickly the human body heals, considering what my finger looked like 2 weeks ago.
You were doing so well, Ms. Sunshine, 'til the last bit there. Cynicism will out, won't it?
I'd rather have them get richer than have more plastic bags in circulation.
Jocelyn - I tried. I really, really tried. Indeed I did. Though, like you, I'd much rather have those damn plastic bags disappear. It's about time someone started the ball rolling.
In answer to your final question: "Ha!"
Sounds as though Canada is behind the UK in this area; all the major supermarkets will sell you a re-usable bag for 10 pence (20 cents) and replace it for free when it wears out. Cardboard boxes are not that common in supermarkets (possibly due to lack of space).
I understand that Ireland either has already or is about to start taxing plastic bags.
I seem to remember that when I still lived in Quebec the SAQ was called the "Regie des Alcools", but nicknamed "Commission des Liqueurs"; my uncle used to call them "Commission des Voleurs" (thieves).
Hm.
Once again capitialist America trumps them all for a)behind-the-times-ness and b)milking-the-money-tree.
Supermarkets are only just now begining to offer resusable bags enmasse, but theres no offer of free replacements when they wear out. Also, it doesnt seem as if they are going to phase out single-use bags any time soon. Oh and the new bags cost about eighty to ninety cents each.
The supermarkets in Vancouver are doing that as well. They're nice bags, but they cost $1.49, so I'm wondering how much of a profit margin they're marking on the bags. Sell people their groceries, and then sell them the bags to carry the groceries home. Because I have a feeling, if everyone is like me, that people will forget to take the reusable bags when they go shopping, and then will end up with a closet full of them.
*sigh*
Oh, I hope they give all the money to ME. That would be nice. But they probably won't. Losers.
I keep forgetting to ask:
When will Big Brother return from his trip?
(And it's funny that you answered my bag question. It was a joke question that people would make a small enough purchase to fit into a bag, while we fill the whole wine case box.)
ooooh, cynical! I LOVE it!
I'm sure it's just habit. I used to always have a bag stuffed in my handbag when I lived in England, there's no good reason why I shouldn't do the same here. SF has that policy, maybe it'll sneak down here too soon.
Cheers
I'm sure the money saved by the SAQ will trickle down to anywhere else but the customer. I like the idea of reusable bags, I have a few at home with the odd plastic bag in case something can spill. I think it's good to encourage people to use them. I'm wondering how long it will take LCBO to jump on the bandwagon.
you know, that is a great idea. I hope more stores catch on.
Even if they make a bit of money off it, is is the environmentally sound thing so on balance I guess it's good.
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