Back in the 70s there used to be a joke based on some songs by Bob Dylan and other such topical balladeers. The punch line was the moment the US government discovered that marijuana caused cancer they’d legalize it. Governments and all large systems, including corporate systems, behave in completely irrational ways much of the time. The recent experience in Mumbai established beyond any doubt that plastic bags are huge burden for urban systems to cope with. California’s city government calculated that it costs them 17 cents to collect and dispose off a plastic bag, so they’ve mooted a tax of 17 cents on plastic bags. This in a place where people don’t just throw stuff all over the place. In India, we have no rules on how we organize our garbage and we believe that freedom means the right to litter. But instead of taxing these ghastly things, their manufacturers have been specially exempted from taxes if they use “recycled” plastic. The government of India needs to reconsider this insane rule. Ask yourself where recycled plastic comes from. What it’s come in contact with in the past; and you will realize that using a recycled plastic bag means putting your skin in contact with an unknown set of noxious poisons, and if you carry food in them, eating the residues of an extremely risky set of things. Makes no sense. We live in a country that grows cotton and jute in abundance. Get yourself a nice stylish reusable cotton or jute bag for heavens sake. It’s your family’s health you’re talking about. See www.badlani.com/bags/to see what attractive choices you have. Say no to poisonous plastic. In fact say no to all plastic bags.