It would appear that many countries have been concerned about the threat plastic bags pose on the environment for some time, showing that it is truly a global issue.
In France, supermarkets haven’t been quite so free with their plastic bags for sometime. In the past, when I have shopped in France I’ve always had to take a reusable bag with me as plastic bags were charged for. I’ve read that in 2010 there will be an outright ban on free plastic bags.
Back in 2002, Ireland introduced the Plastic Bag Environmental Levy, i.e. a bag tax. All revenue generated goes to an environmental fund used to support environmental initiatives (see Citizens Information).
In January, China took everyone by surprise by banning ultra-thin bags being produced. As of June 1st shops are forbidden from providing free bags.
However, here in the UK we have certainly been slower in responding to the threat they pose to our environment. It does seem that we are slowly turning a corner, no doubt helped by trendy celebs and designer reusable bags. Who can forget the “I am not a plastic bag” designed and launched by Anya Hindmarch? Selling out in record time at £5 a bag, it wasn’t long until they were appearing on eBay at extortionate amounts.
At the end of February the Daily Mail launched their “Banish the Bags” campaign, which aims to rid the UK of single use plastic bags. Marks and Spencer have already come out and said that they will be introducing a 5p charge per bag at their UK food stores.
Back in November 2007, the Prime Minister discussed with UK retailers how to eliminate the 12 billion plastic bags that are given out to shoppers in the UK. Not long after the Daily Mail launched its campaign, the PM warned that legislation could be enacted to bring about changes but that before he makes a decision on how to proceed he would look at initiatives from around the world.
Using a re-usable bag is so simple and something that everyone can do easily, with little effort it can soon become part of your routine. Cotton bags can fold up neatly into your handbag or pocket and you can easily leave a jute bag next to the front door ready to grab when you leave the house.
It will be interesting to see how long it takes for effective and definite action to be taken by the UK Government. For me, it seems very simple. Why take, say, 10 plastic bags when doing a food shop when you can put it into jute bags which are stronger and reusable and you don’t need so many. There are so many alternatives available that it seems to me we’re just dragging our heels over the matter. No doubt there will be arguments about needing them for fruit and veg in supermarkets etc but, again, there are plenty of alternatives available such as recycled paper or cornstarch bags.
Some of the large supermarkets have made small attempts at tackling the issues, such as handing out bags for life or giving reward card points for every reusable bag, but they could be doing so much more. It would be hugely beneficial for the supermarkets to join forces and invest in research to find environmentally friendly, strong and effective alternatives to plastic bags.
The plastic bag ban is something I shall be keeping a closer eye on and will no doubt write about again.
