Retailers are now looking for ways to cater to the needs of not only consumers, but the environment too. As well as providing space for recycling bins in car parks and encouraging consumers to re-use their plastic bags, it appears that the majority of small retailers now believe that a small charge for new bags should be applied in England, following on from a similar initiative already in place in Wales.
According to research conducted by the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) which represents around 33,500 small retailers across the UK, the majority of its members believes that the scheme should be extended in England to allow local stores as well as larger retailers to participate. At present, the scheme is due to be introduced to England in 2015, but only for firms employing more than 250 workers.
The ACS has written to the Environmental Audit Committee with its findings, hoping that this will influence the board when making final decisions regarding the scheme. It believes that, by including firms with fewer than 250 members of staff, smaller retailers will not only be doing their bit for the environment but will also be able to save money thanks to an incentive to re-use bags for consumers.
Yet while the ACS believes that small retailers should be included in the scheme, it does not wish to see its members having to report back to the government regarding the number of bag sales made. This, it argues, would place too high a regulatory burden on small stores.
Public affairs director at the ACS, Shane Brennan, says; “Retailers in Wales are already seeing the benefit of the carrier bag levy that has been in place there since 2011.
“Not only have they been able to save money, but it’s also a positive way of having a greater part to play in the community.”
Scotland will be the first to follow in Wales’ footsteps, as a 5 pence levy will be introduced north of the border in the New Year. A similar scheme is already in place in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, both of which have reported a similarly positive impact upon small retailers as has been seen in Wales.
Of course, retailers in England have the option of charging for plastic bags already, but on a voluntary basis as opposed to being part of a scheme. Many have “opted in” to the 5 pence charge, using the money raised to fund community projects such as schools and charities as well as channelling additional cash into regional recycling programmes.
Since introducing the scheme in 2011, Welsh retailers have reported a huge drop in the number of plastic bags used. With the European Commission claiming that individual consumers get through an average of 500 plastic bags per year, it appears that this scheme could well be a key factor in the retail industry’s battle to become more environmentally friendly in years to come.
Would you be willing to pay 5 pence for a plastic bag from a small store?
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