83% of the Fresh Info readers who took part in the online survey felt that the agricultural and food industry is not sufficiently committed to eliminating excess packaging. Several readers suggested that the good practices already used in several other countries should be adopted.  They mentioned Australia, where consumers go shopping with reusable bags, or Switzerland where most products are sold loose  (the high taxes levied on dustbin bags which can only be obtained from the town hall has encouraged distributors to offer products loose).  In South Africa, plastic bags are heavily taxed.  In Hong Kong, supermarkets offer a discount to customers who bring their own bags.

- Freshinfo – April 14, 2006.