Issues & Concerns

Whether you are delighted or appauled by the LCBO’s decision to eliminate the use of standard plastic bags (SPBs) for customer purchases, you should be aware of the growing list of concerns and consequences of this decision.

Both environmental and non-environmental topics are raised here. Consider this a list of “things to think about” while you decide whether the LCBO is on the right track or on the road to being shut down in favour of privatization. We welcome your comments (at the bottom) and will add your unique contributions to the list if you wish.  

  1. The LCBO’s recent decision to eliminate the use of standard plastic bags (SPBs) for customer purchases is based on alleged environmental concerns. One could also argue that they have other motives, some of which are at the expense of their customer base. Since the LCBO continues to hold a monopoly position on liquor distribution in Ontario, there is little customers can do to challenge LCBO decisions.  This web site is intended to change that to the extent that customer grievances like the LCBO bag fiasco can be heard.
  2. In a National Post article, dated May 28, 2008, Canadian Plastics Industry Association (CPIA) president, Serge Lavoie, is quoted as saying, ”Paper bags are a far worse user of natural resources and emit far more greenhouse gases at the end of their life cycle than plastic.” A 2004 study comparing paper with plastic bags found the manufacture of paper bags takes 2.2 times more non-renewable energy than plastic shopping bags, 4.7 times more water and emits 3.1 times more greenhouse gases.
  3. The LCBO contends that 80 million of their standard plastic bags end up in landfills. Their numbers are based on the number of bags they provide to customers. But because the standard plastic bags are so sturdy and suitable for so many purposes, they are not ending up in landfills, because they are being reused for other purposes… storage, returning empty bottles to the Beer Store for refunds, carrying a wide variety of items from one location to another, etc. Hence the 80M figure is grossly exaggerating the landfill issue.
  4. While the LCBO may have a monopoly on liquor distribution in Ontario, consumers should keep in mind that business trips and holidays are an excellent opportunity to bring in alcohol-based beverages from outside of Ontario. You’ll save huge amounts bringing back duty-free liquor, beer and wine from outside the country. All of those retailers have sturdy plastic bags!  Even shopping for liquor, beer and wine in other provinces when traveling will have benefits, in both selection and pricing. And, they have sturdy plastic bags for easy transportation!
  5. The LCBO tried convincing their customers to buy reusable canvas bags before, under the assumption that their customers were concerned with environmental issues.  It was a colossal failure to say the least! Customers did not want to have to carry empty bags back to the store.
  6. Consider the scenario of buying four bottles of wine.  In the past the LCBO staff would have probably used two plastic bags which you can conveniently take home, whether you have driven, taken public transportation or even walked. Now, you’d get two paper bags which you’d have to hold clutched to your chest.  That might be OK if your car isn’t far away, but what about those people who are walking a few blocks or taking a bus or street car. The walkers will be experiencing a lot of physical strain, and those on public transit would likely be taking up another seat for the bags, since it would not be advisable to put them on the floor as you could with the durable standard plastic bags. 
  7. Related to the previous point, those who formerly would have conveniently taken their purchases home in standard plastic bags on foot or on public transit will now be driving or taking cabs instead.  Consider the additional carbon emissions, fuel costs, and taxi fares associated with that.  We welcome help on quantifying this inevitability.
  8. Clutching paper bags to your chest filled with bottles and cans will result in significant physiological stress, however far the items are carried.  Far more stress than carrying the same items in standard plastic bags by their handles. Pain in the arms, upper body and even lower back will be noticeable to say the least. 
  9. If you experience significant pain due to this new LCBO paper bag policy, be sure to see your doctor.  Make sure that he makes a note in your file of what caused the pain, including specific mention of the LCBO. If a class action suit should arise over the LCBO’s bag fiasco, it helps if you have records.
  10. The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) and any other private health insurance companies should have a specific interest in the previous two points as well. The LCBO will undoubtedly be increasing the costs incurred by OHIP and others by this new paper bag policy, and resulting injuries.
  11. Many more issues & concerns coming soon!  Add yours by using the Comment link at the bottom of any posting on the Bag Blog page, or email us at feedback@LCBObagfiasco.com.