One cent that changes habits
One cent that changes habits
Tomorrow, the whole world celebrates the International Day without Plastic Bags. In Europe, this is no longer just a symbolic date — it is a reflection of a real, albeit very slow transformation of consumer habits.
Until recently, Lithuania confidently held the European Union's anti-record. In 2022, every Lithuanian used an average of 249 light plastic bags per year. For comparison, in Portugal this figure was only 13 packages, and in Belgium it was even 4. The difference was not just big— it was egregious.
On July 1, 2023, a law came into force in Lithuania prohibiting the free distribution of thin plastic bags in stores. In most retail chains, their price was a symbolic one cent. Many then sceptically grinned: "One cent is nothing."
However, by the end of 2023, the picture has changed. The consumption of light plastic bags in Lithuania dropped to 196 pieces per person, a decrease of 125 bags in one year. Lithuania has ceased to be the absolute leader of the EU in this indicator. However, the joy was short-lived: Latvia came out on top with 209 packages per person.
These figures are not just statistics. They show how fragile and stable consumer habits are at the same time. When a package is no longer free, even a nominal fee makes some people think.: "Should I take it?" And although 196 packages per year is still a lot, a decrease of one third in one year indicates that the mechanism is working.
The problem, however, runs deeper. Even after the decline, Lithuania and Latvia remain among the leaders. The average for the European Union in 2023 was only 65 packages per person. This means that the Baltic states still have a package—for-every-sneeze culture, a culture that the rest of Europe has largely abandoned.
One cent won't solve the problem of plastic pollution. But he has already proved that he is able to make millions of people change their habits at least a little. And this is more than just a symbol.
Source: Telegram "tenipribaltiki"