In recent months, the national media has brought up a discussion about a topic very close to the daily lives of thousands of customers of supermarket chains in large urban centers (such as in the city of São Paulo): the replacement of plastic bags. The measure also adopted by other cities in the country, even in compliance with recent municipal legislation, divided public opinion, creating a strong controversy around a Possible question: to what extent the non-supply of bags by supermarket chains and other establishments contributes, in a relevant way, in the fight against environmental pollution environment?
The purpose of this brief article is obviously not to answer the question, but rather to propose a reflection on it. From a sociological point of view, the little bag may cease to be a mere object present in our daily lives to become a protagonist, when it highlights the fact that it is associated with the practice of excessive consumerism so common in our days current. Very objectively, the existence and practical usefulness of bags are linked to the need to transport the hundreds of thousands of purchases that are made every day. The promotional appeals that invade commercial hours on television and radio, in addition, of course, to the fundamental role currently assumed by the internet as a vehicle of communication, contribute to stimulate and instill in society a desire for consumption. This does not necessarily mean that we would consume because of advertising, but it is reasonable to state that the latter instigates even more an already frenzied consumption, as a result of the context of society capitalist.
In this sense, what is suggested as an important aspect for expanding the debate is to consider that the use of plastic bags is directly linked to consumption, and cannot be separated from it. If we really should consider that the reduction in the use of small bags can contribute to the fight against pollution and environmental degradation (since they are made of polyethylene, oil-derived product), perhaps it is worth considering that beyond them are also, without a doubt, the countless packages of the most diverse products we consume daily. As is known, industrialized foods, cosmetics, cleaning products, and many others, have plastic, paper, Styrofoam packaging, in short, they are all pollutants.
Another relevant aspect to the discussion is the form of replacement of bags currently promoted by establishments. The proposal (which was implemented for a period in some locations) was based on the following idea: the "traditional" plastic bag would be replaced by one classified as compostable or 100% biodegradable, but now charging a specific amount for its purchase, since it would not be provided. Thus, it is assumed that charging this amount would not only discourage people from using the bags, but, at the same time, it seems, it would represent cost containment by establishments commercials. However, even though they are recyclable, it appears that such bags need a specific treatment, as, otherwise, they can pollute just like the conventional one. Thus, the other option, perhaps the most ecologically appropriate, would be the returnable bag made of cloth, for example, or other materials.
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Therefore, one of the points of controversy is not just the effective contribution (or not) to the environmental issue by replacing bags, since it is known that they are really polluting. What is questioned is the method of replacement, proposing the burden of this process to the consumer with the payment of fees for the purchase of bags or with the purchase of a returnable bag. Thus, due to the controversy, a Conduct Adjustment Term (TAC) signed between the Public Ministry of the State of São Paulo (MPE-SP), Apas (Paulista Association of Supermarkets) and the Procon-SP Foundation determined that supermarkets would make free packaging available for at least another 60 days from February 3, 2012.
The emergence of an increasingly present concern with regard to environmental issues (which include other issues such as the problem of packaging the garbage produced by urban centers), as well as discussions about what is now called sustainable development, are the order of the day, that is, they are fundamental. However, it is also necessary that civil society, the State and the private sector are open and willing to discuss issues like these. Despite the ecological aspect, the discussion around plastic bags permeates other spheres, either with regard to the need for conscientious consumption, or with regard to the guarantee of consumer rights. Therefore, a critical look at issues such as these of public interest is fundamental, as this has to do with the understanding of our role within civil society, that is, it involves our political participation and exercise of citizenship.
Paulo Silvino Ribeiro
Brazil School Collaborator
Bachelor in Social Sciences from UNICAMP - State University of Campinas
Master in Sociology from UNESP - São Paulo State University "Júlio de Mesquita Filho"
Doctoral Student in Sociology at UNICAMP - State University of Campinas
