Separately, my colleague who saved a paper bag with banana dessert in the fridge found that the bag tore easily after a couple of days kept in much cooler temperatures.
When asked about such concerns, REMA acknowledged that people had become dependent on plastic because it is cheap to produce, lighting and therefore easy and inexpensive to transport, and “incredibly” strong and durable.
“But it’s these advantages which also make it so harmful. The micro-plastics that result from these processes are harmful to the environment. Additionally it is very difficult to recycle, ” the spokesperson said.
“Shoppers are encouraged to make a lot more environmentally friendly choices in packing and transporting items. ”
CHALLENGES ABOUND
Still, there has been some pushback.
REMA said some people still smuggle plastic-type bags into Rwanda, something alluded in order to by local non-governmental organisation Rema Environment Awareness Organization.
“We are doing a great deal, but when your nearby neighbours don’t have that plan, I think it will be hard for us, ” said its project coordinator Johnson Kayitare, pointing out that people can buy plastic bags in countries such as Congo, Burundi plus Tanzania and take them across the border.
Mr Alan Gahamanyi, who runs the supermarket on an active street in Kigali, told me that some customers have “begged” to be given the plastic bag so they could use it at home, for instance, to shop vegetables.
“It’s illegal, ” the 31-year-old said. “Unless I pack meats in it, I cannot provide you with one. ”