Celebrate choice and choose Blue

A recent study in New Zealand found that 12 out of 13 ‘social smokers’ strongly support extending the anti-smoking legislation to include spaces outside restaurants and pubs. I am no smoker but there are a few of things wrong with this in my opinion. Firstly the unbelievable suggestion that smoking should now be banned outside as well as in. Secondly, the unspoken assumption that this would cut the number of social smokers, and finally the farcical belief that 13 people can constitute the majority.

One of the primary reasons that smoking legislation was introduced was to protect the health of bar and restaurant workers, however this new suggested legislation can only be regarded as an attempt to stop the smokers themselves.

This revelation came in the same month that food manufacturer Mars announced its plans to halt production of bars of more than 250 calories, which means that by 2013 king-sized chocolates will be extinct. I worry that this may also extend to Easter eggs since the current Snickers bar is also going to lose at least 10% of its current self.

Further to this report, Tesco was recently lampooned by the national obesity forum for selling five-packs of Snickers, Kitkat Chunky, Twix and Mars for £1 each, meaning that each bar cost a miniscule 20p. A Spokesperson for the forum said ‘to have this kind of promotion at this time when obesity is such as problem is frankly totally irresponsible’.

I am beginning to wonder what place choice has in our world anymore. It is not up to the government to provide an answer to the social problems of our culture. An intrinsic change in our cultural attitudes is needed and it will take more than the Law to change this. We should be celebrating the choices we have, not promoting an existence were all our decisions are made for us.

A recent study I conducted myself suggested that 2 out of 3 blue bags preferred blue bags to the white or branded variety. I therefore suggest that all shops replace their carriers with a blue variety. In fact, I strongly recommend that only blue bags are stocked in all retail outlets. Or, maybe, people should have the option to choose?