Comportamento do Consumidor: o Caso da Proibição das Sacolas Plásticas no Município de São Paulo, Brasil

Abstract

This research aims to investigating consumer behavior before and after the ban on free distribution of plastic bags by supermarkets in SãoPaulo (Brazil). We compared the strategies used during the adaptation period and also during the first month of ban. The observations was carried out during ten weeks in four districts of São Paulo. The behavior of 3,778 consumers was observed and 69% of them took their purchases in plastic bags when these bags were free. After the ban period, 65% of consumers used ecological bags. It was also observed that other ways for transportation and storage were used by the consumers.

Impacts of the “Plastic Bag Law” in the Grocery Retail in the city of São Paulo/Brazil

“…Particularly in the case of plastic bags, although it is not a waste directly generated by retail, they are passed on to consumers at the time of purchase and are subsequently destined for landfills with other types of household waste (Régis et al 2015). The origin of the plastic bags came in the year 1970 and, due to its free distribution by the supermarkets and by the commerce in general, quickly became very popular and was incorporated into the consumer routine (Fabro, Lidemann & Vieira, 2007).…”

“…The origin of the plastic bags came in the year 1970 and, due to its free distribution by the supermarkets and by the commerce in general, quickly became very popular and was incorporated into the consumer routine (Fabro, Lidemann & Vieira, 2007). A decade after its emergence, the use of plastic bags in Brazil was expanded, bringing with it several advantages of domestic utilities, due to their practicality, resistance and impermeability (Régis et al, 2015). The economic advantages of common plastics that allow reuse, such as durability and resistance to moisture and chemicals, are the same as those that incorporate a serious negative environmental aspect (Fabro, Lidemann & Vieira, 2007).…”

“…After the deadline, 04/04/2012, the bags are no longer supplied. However, a little more than two months after the banalization of its supply, it was determined by the courts to return free distribution of the same to the consumers of supermarkets in the municipality, which invalidated the entire process of extinction of its use (Régis et al 2015). After four years of sanctions, the so-called "Law of Sacolinha" was effectively regulated in 2015, through Decree nº 55.827.…”

“…Among the residues produced by supermarkets, there are plastic, cardboard, pallet, organic waste and others, which come from the primary packaging of the products and the operational activities in general (Dias & Braga Junior, 2016). In particular, plastic bags, although not directly produced by retail, are passed on to consumers at the time of purchase, which are then destined for landfills with other types of household waste (RÉGIS et al , 2015). In this way, besides being a producer, retail is also a supplier of household waste products (Ceretta & Froemming, 2013).…”