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To curb the unnecessary use of plastic bags on campus, the NUS Students' Union's Students Against Violation of the Earth on Monday launched a new initiative called 'Rebate2Earth'. -- ST PHOTO: LIM SIN THAI
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ALMOST half a million plastic bags were used at the National University of Singapore Co-operative(NUS Co-op) stores last year.
To curb the unnecessary use of plastic bags on campus, the NUS Students' Union's Students Against Violation of the Earth on Monday launched a new initiative called 'Rebate2Earth'.
Customers who want plastic bags will have to pay 10 cents for each.
Funds raised from the plastic bags will be used for future environmental projects on campus.
The move follows efforts that have been implemented over the years.
To change consumer practices, Swedish furniture chain Ikea has been charging for their plastic bags on a regular basis since April last year.
The National Environment Agency (NEA), together with the Singapore Environment Council and major supermarkets, launched the 'Bring Your Own Bag Day' (BYOBD) also last April.
BYOBD is on every first Wednesday of the month. Shoppers at participating supermarkets are encouraged to use reusable bags or they would have to pay a nominal 10 cents for a plastic bag.
According to NEA, Singaporeans use about 2.5 billion plastic bags a year - about 19,000 tonnes of waste.
The 'Rebate2Earth' launch, which was held at NUS, was graced by the NUS Deputy President (Academic Affairs) and Provost, Professor Tan Eng Chye and Nominated MP Eunice Olsen.
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