Crafty retailers look for way around free plastic bag ban

Retailers are looking for ways around the ban on free plastic bags at the check out counter, which takes effect on January 1st. Some retailers are no longer ordering plastic bags at all, rather opting for paper or cotton bags. But according to Worldpack, wholesale trader in packaging, these bags can actually be just as harmful to the environment, BNR reports. "Various studies from 2013 that were published in 2014 show that plastic is the most environmentally friendly material in terms of production." Alice van der Westen of Worldpack explained to the broadcaster. "That means that jute, cotton paper - sustainable materials in the eyes of the average Dutchman - need much more to produce. Then you have to think of fossil fuels, but also the amount of water needed for productions, and the emissions of particulate matter are much greater." From Friday retailers are no longer allowed to give a free plastic bag with a purchase, in an effort to reduce the amount of plastic waste and pollution. H&M will add an extra 10 or 25 cents to the slip and at Kruidvat customers can pay for their bags with their loyalty points.