Feasible solutions for plastic bag use reduction in HCM city – aiming at a sustainable consumption society

Abstract

Plastic bags are associated with convenience and low cost. The over-use and disposal of plastic waste with non specifications are made the regrettable corollary to landscape and environment. Therefore, research on plastic bag use reduction measures in Ho Chi Minh City is necessary, and will contribute to improving public awareness about environmental protection, aiming at a sustainable consumption society in Ho Chi Minh City.

This research gathered and analyzed documents regarding plastic bag’s effects on the environment; documents and figures related to plastic bag use management in the world; and combined with surveying, collecting related data about reducing plastic bag use in Ho Chi Minh City. Many measures from economic tools to enforcement, even through media campaigns are proposed to guaranty the success of the program; such as a ban of free plastic bags, a tax on using plastic bags, improving public awareness, setting up a system for plastic bag collection. In addition to, the potential conditions and solutions were studied for replacing plastic bags with environmentally friendly bags.