Lately, I’ve found myself asking a frustrating but necessary question:
Why are we paying for paper bags at restaurants and takeaways?
I remember when the plastic bag ban first came into effect. It felt like a major win for the environment. Many of us embraced it — understanding that charging for plastic was meant to discourage waste and encourage people to carry their own bags. It was a simple idea that made sense.
But now, we’re seeing something different — something that doesn’t sit quite right.
Paper bags, once promoted as the eco-friendly solution, are now coming with a price tag too. And it’s raising eyebrows.
When Sustainability Becomes a Sales Pitch
Paper bags are supposed to be the “good guys” — biodegradable, recyclable, made from renewable materials. But recently, when I picked up a takeaway meal, I was told the brown paper bag would cost me an extra K3. Just for the bag.
At first, I let it slide. But then it happened again. Different restaurant. Same charge.
This got me thinking: Are we really paying for sustainability — or just the illusion of it?
That’s where the greenwashing question comes in.
It’s when businesses use eco-friendly language to justify extra costs or polish their public image — without making any meaningful change to reduce environmental harm. And if we’re being charged more for paper bags but still producing the same amount of packaging waste, it starts to feel like exactly that.
Who Really Bears the Cost?
Yes, paper bags might cost more to produce than plastic ones. Yes, businesses have operational expenses. But shouldn’t the cost of packaging be factored into the product price?
Instead, the responsibility is being pushed onto consumers — those who are already trying to do the right thing. We’re told it’s about protecting the planet, but in practice, it often looks more like protecting profit margins.
And here’s the kicker: If nothing else changes — if we keep consuming just as much packaging, and just paying more for it — what exactly are we accomplishing?
So, Should We Bring Our Own Bags?
Maybe it’s time we flip the script.
If restaurants and takeaways truly care about sustainability, they should reward eco-friendly behavior — not penalize it. And as consumers, we can lead that change by bringing our own reusable bags, just like we do when grocery shopping.
It might feel awkward at first, but real shifts often do.
Let’s Talk About It
Have you noticed this trend?
Do you think charging for paper bags is fair — or just good PR?
Would you be willing to bring your own bag to a takeaway?
Let us know in the comments, or tag us on social media.
Because the way we handle packaging matters. And if we don’t speak up, greenwashing might just become the new normal.