February 6, 2008

Plastic is not fantastic
I hope that the people of the UAE respect the seriousness of the fact that half of the problems are caused as a result of the misuse of an unnecessary item - the plastic bag ("Ditch plastic to save cash and the environment", Gulf News, February 3).

China is to ban all plastic shopping bags by June 2008. Reason is environmental and energy concerns.

I encourage everybody to consider feasible options towards mitigating the damaging effects of the plastic bag such as banning plastic, switching to a biodegradable product, imposing a fine for plastic misuse and educational awareness about the hazards of plastic waste.

Positive action by the government and people would ensure long-term preservation of our planet. A few changes could go a very long way.
From Mr Dermot Hikisch
Karlskrona, Sweden

Matter of discipline
In Holland, everybody brings his or her own bags to the supermarket.

They pack things themselves and haul it to their respective cars or bicycle. In case you forget a bag, you can buy reusable bags for around Dh3 each.

I always bring my own cotton shopping bags on my twice-weekly shopping spree and a lot of people talk to me and tell me this is a good idea and that they will follow suit.

It is just a matter of discipline to take your own bag when you go to a supermarket.

Not only does one help the environment by doing this, you also save yourself a lot of extra rubbish in the house, for where do you keep all the plastic bags?

I think charging for plastic bags would be a better idea since it would be easier to implement.

I do hope the charges will be high enough to let people think twice about buying plastic bags!
From Ms Marijke Ransijn
Dubai

Not so innocent
The plastic bag pollution is not as innocent as it might sound at first. Not only do they block drains and sewage systems but they affect wildlife and as a result humans.

Bigger animals ingest them and mosquitoes gather on the warm small pools of water and breed rapidly. That is something that provokes a spread of malaria.

The problem is huge. We should find an alternative for plastic bags.
From Mr Shakil
Dubai

Train staff
In all my years in Dubai I have never seen a supermarket not keen to give out plastic bags.

The staff who help with packing bags seem to want to use a bag for each item, and then put those small bags into a larger one!

Perhaps training staff that it is okay to pack more than two items at a time in each bag could reduce their shopping bag consumption.
From Mr Christopher
Dubai

Not too tough
Reducing use of plastic bags is a really good step by Dubai Municipality to reduce pollution caused by plastic bags.

It is not difficult, if the government takes it seriously.

In Ootacamund, a popular hill station in southern part of India, the authorities have completely banned the use of plastic bags. Now the area has become more hygienic.
From Mr Usman
Sharjah

Good move
It's a good move to seek alternatives for plastic carrier bags. Reusable bags carried by customers should help to reduce the damage caused by plastic bags.
From Mr Nishar
Sharjah
Full name withheld by request

It will happen
We all know what plastic does to the environment. The only solution is to ban it. People will bring their own cloth bags to shop. Do it and it will happen.
From Mr Leonard
Sharjah

I am glad
Re-usable bags are a wonderful thing, benefiting merchants and customers alike. I'm so glad to read that some supermarkets plan to introduce incentives to use them!
From Mr Jeri
Abu Dhabi
Full name withheld by request

Editor's note: To read more comments, log on to www.gulfnews.com

In all goodness
Recently, I lost my purse containing valuables like money for paying rent, bankcards, driving licence, health and labour cards.

I was in an absolute panic at the loss of so much money and at the thought of replacing all of the lost cards.

I thank Mr Gafoor who works at a cafeteria in Satwa for his great act of kindness, as he found my purse and ensured it was returned to me.

It is incredibly humbling to know that there are such decent and honest people in this world. Too often such acts of kindness go unnoticed.
From Ms Rebecca Cross
Dubai

Tackling congestion
It would be ideal to introduce buses to ply at least the main streets of Abu Dhabi. Introducing more taxis will add to the traffic congestion.

The authorities should look at improving public transportation. The bus service can be introduced in the same way as taxis, managed and operated by private companies.

By covering landmarks on main streets within the city alone, such buses can relieve commuters from parking woes and from being late to work.

Once successful, this can be extended beyond the city. Another way of tackling congestion is to set rules that all schools should provide transportation to their pupils.

Parents should be allowed to drop their wards only if there are at least three children studying.
From A Reader
Abu Dhabi
Name withheld by request

Ironical
It is indeed a terrible state of affairs that your job need not necessarily be the one you are qualified in ("In depth: Behind by degrees", Gulf News, February 1).

There are some who have no choice but to compromise, while others who don't remain either jobless or underpaid.

It is also sad to note that teachers get paid the least. This is ironical as they are instrumental in shaping the future of our children.
From Ms Anita Mahesh
Abu Dhabi

Don't speed
I've noticed that most road accidents are caused by trailers/trucks/buses that over speed. These should not be allowed to drive in the last lane or overtake.

Heavy fines and suspension of licence should be undertaken.
From Ms Natalina
Dubai

World-class service?
I do understand that the severing of an internet cable is not the fault of etisalat, du or any other telecom service provider ("How a boat could sink the internet", Gulf News, February 2).

However, when I am paying a vastly inflated fee for a service I do not receive, this is the third time in two years, it is the responsibility of the service provider to at least reduce the service charge.

They could either do this, or increase the bandwidth at the same price. As customers, is it wrong for us to expect better customer service?
From Mr Alex Fisken
Dubai

Pay teachers more
Teaching is considered as a noble profession. But the label "noble profession" and the respect teachers are given by society does not translate into money needed to buy groceries.

A teacher with a postgraduate degree is paid around Dh3,500 a month even after completion of 20 to 25 years! Most teachers are getting desperate because of low salaries.

No one is, unfortunately, taking this as a serious issue. In the near future, people with no skill or any other choice in terms of career option would end up becoming teachers.
From A Reader
Sharjah
Name withheld by request