Shopping Bag Issue as Environmental Issue in Community Journalism

Описание: Community Journalism Report Assignment on Plastic Shopping Bags Use in Pakistan

by Abdul Rafey Media Studies Department Comsats University Lahore
Slogan: Save 10 Rupees!

Asalamualikum my name is AbdulRafay Faisal and I’m a student of media and communications studies at COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus. I’d like to welcome you to our channel Community Journalism Pakistan, where we shine a light on issues that the mainstream media doesn’t cover. The topic for today is the recent developments in the consumer market. The government has decided to pass a law that reduces the usage of plastic shopping bags and replace them with shopping bags made of cotton. While the government passed this law for the betterment of the environment, the Pakistani Consumer Business Mafia has taken advantage of its customers. Let’s take a deeper dive into what they’re doing.

What is the effect on society due to this law?
Well, studies indicate that plastic bags have a much greater toll on the environment, and the sea. This ultimately led the government to pass a law that replaces the uses of plastic shopping bags, with reusable cloth bags. Studies indicate that cloth bags can be reused 131 times before they make an impact, while organic cotton shopping bags can be used up to 20,000 times.
As mentioned earlier, Bakeries and Grocery stores are taking advantage of their customers. Most customers today are forced to carry their groceries by hand simply due to the fact that shopkeepers are overcharging for bags. An example of this can be seen in bakeries like Gourmet and Cakes & Bakes, which charge 15 rupees for one bag, while the worst example of this can be seen in consumer chains like KNN’s that charge 50 rupees for a bag.

Which bag should you use?
Is it possible sue them or lodge complaint against them?
In a society like Pakistan’s where the financially able people are the only one’s who are given importance, it is impossible to go against an entire mafia that control the system. One thing that could work, is people boycotting their systems on a major level. This will force some sort of social movement to take place, which therefore, topples the system. Furthermore, by exposing them on film and raising awareness, we can collectively bring an end to this corrupt system as well.

What is the role of government especially?
The government needs to interject and be more vigilant. The worst part about these mafias is that they have influence and financial backing to break the law. An example of this can be seen nowadays when businesses like Gourmet and Cakes & Bakes stay open past 8 PM which is when the lock down is implemented. I asked Gourmet employee the other day, about what they thought, they just replied with “We’re desperate people risking our lives on the line just so people can come in and buy stuff. We have families too, and we’re worried about keeping ourselves safe, so they stay safe too”. Truly disheartening to see people risking their lives for menial work.

What should be done? What should be followed according to Islam.
Since Pakistan was built on the grounds of religion, it is strange how people today have left the religion behind for monetary gain. Our beloved Prophet PBUH, was a businessman as well, and left an example of what every business owner should focus on. That being,
Honesty
Measures and Weights
Honesty is a sought-after trait for any Muslim, regardless of whether or not their involved in businesses. Lastly, there has been a significant amount of emphasis put on Measure and Weights simply because the prophet had said,
“When people cheat in weight and measures, their provision is cut off from them,” He told the owners of measures and weights, “You have been entrusted with affairs over which some nations before you were destroyed”

As a Community Journalist, what is your role?
I strongly believe that my role, as a community journalist is to shine light on areas that are foreshadowed by the monopoly of businesses that are corrupt and have no intent of doing right by their consumers.
Google the price and measures department in Lahore and how to contact them. What is their phone number?

Address
Directorate General Industries, Prices,
Weights & Measures, Ponch House, Lahore.
Phone
(+92) 42-99211520-21
Fax
(+92) 42-99211522
Website
https://doi.punjab.gov.pk/



What will your message be on this issue to solve it?
My message would be for the people that think it isn’t worth it, to go after these corporate mafias. The people that think their voices don’t matter, believe in yourself. Anything is possible. For government officials, it is crucial to appoint one supervisor in every area and ensure that the law is abided. Then and only then, will we be able to take a decent hit at damaging the corrupt and unlawful businesses that operate in this nation.

Thank you for joining me. Stay safe, Stay vigilant.