POLICY INSTRUMENTS FOR CURBING PLASTIC BAG CONSUMPTION IN KAZAKHSTAN

Abstract

From retailers to consumers, everyone has seen the positive side to plastic bags, and they are used globally. However, their negative attributes to the environment have been a cause for concern and drawn attention on a universal scale. In attempting to curb its use, there have been some drastic and not so drastic measures employed by countries in the form of strict legislation and initiatives. However, some have yielded positive results in the decrease of plastic bag use while some others have not. As Kazakhstan prepares for a ‘greener’ tomorrow, this research will facilitate considerations for the implementation of policies in the form of awareness, a total ban and levy charges which can be employed to discourage the use of plastic bags.