waste less. live more
We inspire and help people to waste less and live more sustainably.
Plastic carrier bags
What is the issue?
Over 13 billion plastic shopping bags are given out in the UK every year. Is this an unnecessary waste of resources or just an environmental red herring?
Should shops be allowed to give away free carrier bags to their customers or should there be an outright ban? It's an issue that has recently climbed the political agenda, with the Welsh Assembly Government planning to impose a seven pence charge on single-use carrier bags from March 2011.
Opponents of a ban argue that, by weight, such single use shopping bags make up a tiny proportion of the waste stream, coming in at just 0.3% of household waste. It is also pointed out that the bags are often reused at home as bin liners.
Supporters of a ban believe, however, that it would send a strong message to the public about the importance of waste prevention. Evidence for the impact of a ban comes from Ireland, where the number of carrier bags used dropped by around 90%. Many argue that a ban would also be fairer, as those taking their own reusable bags to the shops would not have to subsidise those who can't be bothered.
What should be done?
Waste Watch's view is that giving away free, single-use bags has no place in a future where waste prevention should be the main priority.
A ban may have a limited impact on the amount of overall waste produced, but more importantly it would act as a clear statement of intent that we all share a responsibility to reduce our waste. We believe a ban should be viewed in this light, rather than in tonnes of plastic diverted from landfill, helping to pave the way for greater public acceptance of waste prevention.
Surveys show that the public are ready for such action. We urge those in local and regional government across the country to follow suit and indeed to go further by addressing the wastefulness of other single-use items.
