What is it about?
The study analyses consumers’ perceptions about the plastic levy/tax and its effects on their demand for plastic bags in Maun, Botswana. Despite the imposition of the levy, the usage of plastic bags remains widespread across the country, with less willingness to shift to eco-friendly alternatives. The reasons for the excessive usage of plastic bags are discussed in the paper. At the current rates, the levy is not serving as a deterrent against plastic bag usage. It is regarded to be too low by the consumers.
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Why is it important?
It has been over a decade since the introduction of the plastic levy in Botswana. However, there is dearth of research on consumer behaviour and/or choices amidst the levy. It is imperative for policy-makers to know whether or not their policy decisions are achieving their mandates, hence the need to carry out this study.
Perspectives
One of the most important findings in the study is that, although the levy is well targeted on consumers as sources of plastic bag litter, it is yet to attain its intended purpose of effecting a reduction of plastic bags demanded and/or consumed in some parts of the country, specifically Maun. This could lead to two conclusions. Firstly, taxes are a means to an end, not an end on their own. Secondly, there is a need to set a rate at a level that would force a shift in behaviour.
Patricia Kefilwe Mogomotsi
University of Botswana
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Plastic bag usage in a taxed environment: Investigation on the deterrent nature of plastic levy in Maun, Botswana, Waste Management & Research The Journal for a Sustainable Circular Economy, October 2018, SAGE Publications,
DOI: 10.1177/0734242x18801495.
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