06
October
2017
|
21:13
Asia/Singapore

Charging for plastic bags may have unintended costs

Distinguished Professor Ivan Png from the Department of Strategy and Policy at NUS Business School opined that while a charge for plastic bags would deter consumption of plastic bags and help to reduce environmental costs, it may have unintended consequences for public health and estate cleaning as it would affect how people dispose of food waste and increase the spread of vermin and diseases. Prof Png suggested that the National Environment Agency carry out a trial in one town then decide whether it makes sense to roll out the policy to the whole nation.