by Aran M

Created on: August 05, 2009   Last Updated: September 10, 2009

Yes, consumers should have the option of re-using glass bottles. Don't get me wrong, this does not necessarily mean a specific law mandating it. But it could be achieved, for example, through a more general 'polluter pays' principle. If the cost of drinks containers took into account the cost of it's disposal and long term impact on the environment, the market would respond to the problem by allowing people to re-use bottles. People wouldn't want to dispose of a bottle that would be expensive to replace.

A lot of you will be getting a little suspicious now, it just sounds like another way to rip-off hard working Americans with another tax. It's another so-called 'green tax' that will extort money out of your pockets, right? Wrong! Think about it, first, if bottles were re-used, it would almost certainly actually be cheaper for consumers and the initial cost of more expensive bottles would be offset over time.

Also the reduction of rubbish produced would lead to less rubbish needing to be taken to the dump and any good 'polluter pays' legislation should mean that those who pollute less pay less.

Why should we all pay for those who pollute the most? Often 'green' legislation is seen as a left wing agenda but the fact is it is actually a backward type of socialism to make everyone pay for those that pollute the most. 'Polluter pays' legislation means that those who use the most, pay an proportionate amount to their usage.

In our drive for progress, we must not forget simple traditional ideas when they have a relevance to a modern problem. Traditional values of not wasting things, can translate into modern progressive ideas to improve our environment and ensure those who choose to use them most, pay towards the clean up bill.

Re-using bottles is something so simple to do, but it could make an impact. In the absence of legislation, it would be good to see companies taking the lead in offering this option to consumers, it would tap into the 'green' market and be a good PR move on their part. I'm sure many people would love the idea of saving a bit of money and helping the planet at the same time, that coupled with the fact it is a traditional idea some people will actually remember, makes it a winning formula. I wonder if companies will be brave enough to give it a go?

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