Many retail commercial properties now charge you 5 pence for a carrier bag. But has this charge helped you to remember to bring your bag for life with you, or like me, your intentions are there to take it to the shop, but it is a different matter when it comes to remembering?
Like many people, I own a bag for life, but remembering to bring it with me on the weekly shop is another story. By the time I have filled the trolley and got to the checkout, it is too late and far more time consuming, not to mention the petrol cost involved – which would result in an unnecessary addition to my carbon footprint to go and collect it. But it seems I am not alone in this.
According to WRAP, the Government’s waste body, the use of commercial property plastic bags was 5.4 per cent higher in 2011 than it was the previous year. So are we a nation of forgetfulness or do we just love a freebie?
Speaking of WRAP’s findings, Bob Gordon, Head of Environment at the British Retail Consortium (BRC) said: “Whopping trends are changing and its clear many customers appreciate the bags they’re offered.
“Plastic bags account for a fraction of one per cent of household waste and the amount of new plastic being used in today’s bags is half what it was in 2006.”
Charging for carrier bags in retail commercial properties is still voluntary for retailers in England. But in Wales it has been made compulsory and the figures speak for themselves:
“It’s no surprise the use of a bag charge in Wales has reduced the number of bags taken by consumers there. If other governments see reducing the use of carrier bags as a priority, they will have to take a lead and go beyond voluntary measures.
“Any legislation should be as similar as possible to what’s in place in Wales and we are already working with other governments as they develop their plans,” Mr Gordon said.
Do you take your own carrier bags to the supermarket? Or like me, is remembering to take it the main problem? Share your comments below.
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Thanks for your comment Diana, please do check back regularly as we are always producing new articles each day 🙂
Where can I buy this bag?