Oslo - Norway is to look into the feasibility of banning the use of plastic bags, according to Environment and International Development Minister Erik Solheim. "In China they ban plastic bags, Ireland has introduced a fee on bags and in Australia there are discussions about a ban," Solheim was quoted as saying in an interview with public broadcaster NRK Sunday.
Possible alternatives to plastic bags included cloth bags or net bags, Solheim said.
Federation of Norwegian Commercial and Service Enterprises (HSH) spokesman Jarle Hammerstad appeared more cautious, saying the federation wanted a better case for introducing a possible ban and that consumers should be consulted.
"Plastic bags have many uses in a normal household," Hammerstad said, adding that the minister should focus on recycling or introducing environmentally friendly bags.
Solheim said people were used to adapting to new technology like mobile phones and ought to be able to cope with not using plastic bags.
