News > UK shops told to charge for plastic bags or face levy
by James Todman
In his first budget speech Alistair Darling has promised to tackle the over use of plastic carrier bags. UK retailers face a Government levy being imposed, if they don't make sufficient progress in reducing plastic bag usage by the end of this year.
Marks and Spencer are already charging 5p fee for every bag used, and Darling hopes the levy will encourage other retailers to follow suit.
But will it work? Many skeptics believe this is just one of the many 'Green grabbing' headlines used by the chancellor to enhance his environmental credibility. The threat of legislation has not pleased the British Retail Consortium. "Retailers have already committed to reduce the environmental impact of plastic bags by a quarter by the end of this year. Huge progress has been made without any need for legislation," said Stephen Robertson, BRC's Director General.
In Ireland a levy introduced in 2002 has seen a 90 percent drop in single-use plastic bags. France has seen similar reductions by a voluntary agreement with retailers.
Whether it is by legislation or voluntary agreement, one fact remains. The habit of using plastic bags needs to be addressed in UK shopping culture. Last year British shoppers used 13 billion plastic carrier bags. That works out at 216 per person.
What is the alternative? Paper carrier bags are recyclable, biodegradable and come from a renewable source. However their production still uses enough energy resources to prevent them being the perfect solution. Re-using your carrier bags may be the best answer. Many retailers already encourage this by producing a thicker reusable bag. But again this has its problems. WRAP, the Government's waste advisors, noticed the levy in Ireland caused five times more plastic to be used producing the heavier 'bags for life' and by providing more rubbish sacks for recycling.
Whatever the answer, Mr Darling's budget has started a discussion about the plastic bag issue and made the British Shopper more aware of their environmental impact. Many welcome the Chancellor's green approach but also point out that in the same budget speech he has given his blessing to new runways at Stansted and Heathrow, and postponed a 2p rise in petrol.
Tony Juniper, director of Friends of the Earth, said: "The Chancellor promised to put sustainability at the heart of today's announcement, but he has merely tinkered in the margins. Mr Darling should have used this Budget to tackle climate change - the biggest challenge the world faces - by making it cheaper and easier for people to go green, including tax breaks for greening the home, and grants for renewable energy."
Author Info:
James Todman is a freelance web content editor.
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Source: E-Shop Fair- Green and Ethical Shopping Directory
Freelance Web Content Editor managing websites & blogs for UK clients, including E-Shop Fair.
