On 1st October 2015, the Government will introduce a 5p charge on single-use carrier bags in England. However, in the 133 days until then, we will shockingly use more than a 12 billion bags, most of which will end up as litter or in landfill!
Just by making a small change in your shopping habits by using re-usable bags from today onwards will help prevent this huge amount of waste and litter, over 12 billion bags, and the danger it poses to wildlife and our wild spaces. It will also help to reduce the wasteful annual £1 billion cost of tackling litter nationwide.
Worryingly, even when the charge does come into force, there’s a danger its impact could be diluted if the Government’s proposal to exclude paper and biodegradable bags goes ahead. Smaller retailers might also be excluded, preventing them from benefiting from the reduced costs and stronger links with the community that their counterparts in Wales enjoy.
#SayNoToPlastic