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Paper bags bill passes first reading
A bill proposing to require stores to provide customers with paper bags only passes first reading in Knesset. According to bill, stores that provide nylon bags will face fines
David Hacohen
A bill proposing to oblige stores to provide customers with paper bags instead of nylon ones passed its first reading at the Knesset Wednesday. According to the bill, supermarket chains will provide paper bags to customers, and be banned from supplying bags made out of other materials.
The bill stipulates that stores that fail to comply with the new regulation will be fined.
Despite the fact nylon bags serve as convenient, and even energy-conserving, packages (the manufacturing of a nylon bag requires 40 percent less energy than that of a paper bag), nylon bags are a serious environmental hazard, because nylon is not a perishable material, a fact that has turned nylon waste into an ever-worsening ecological problem.
Additionally, nylon bags tend to scatter easily in the wind, be eaten by animals, pollute coral reefs in the Eilat bay, and endanger drivers.
Several countries across the world have already enacted laws that require payment for nylon bags. In these countries, the use of nylon bags has decreased dramatically. In some countries cloth bags, which can be used repeatedly, are sold at a low cost.
In other countries the use of plastic bags is not prohibited by law, but retail food chains have voluntarily decided to stop using nylon bags, out of concern for the environment.
Knesset Members Dov Henin and Rabbi Michael Melchior said that "it's time for Israel to toe the line and do what is accustomed in the world – use paper bags, which are a perishable material, contrary to the polluting nylon bags. This bill is aimed at putting a stop to this hazard and provide consumers with a good alternative."
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