Plastic bags and the tax from hell

I'm no scientist. But then, it seems, neither are the caretakers of our environment. Still, they have taken a decision and I would expect them to at least have a solid argument to back it. But, I have heard nothing as yet from those quarters that makes sense.

So, in a God-made-the-world-and-the-devil-made-plastic-bags sketch, "God" then made biodegradable ones that virtually disintegrate into harmless particles that do not pollute. You know, he probably modelled them on, say, the banana skin. Same principle, similar matter to corn starch, the experts tell us. Whatever, the bottom line is, this bag disappears in quite a short time in much the same way and with as little effect. Brilliant.

Then what did the "devil" do to make sure the environment remains just as polluted? (Eco tax will become just another charge for us consumers; we still need our bags). He taxed these bags at the same rate as the horrid indestructible ones that litter the place up and kill the dolphins (you get my drift). The reason? (Not quite the right word given the absence of any real reasoning behind it). We want less plastic bags. These are still plastic bags. Oo-kaay. Now, can you imagine the same "devil" taxing solar water heaters at the same rate as the electricity surcharge because, say, at the end of the day it is still hot water that is being produced?

Neither can I.