Green groups call for levy on single-use plastic carrier bags
Waste & recycling news – by GreenWise staff
1st August 2012
Green groups have issued a call to the Government to introduce a levy on single-use plastic carrier bags in England.
Four leading environmental groups have today called for the introduction of a charge on plastic carrier bag use in England following the successful introduction of a levy in Wales. In England, where no such compulsory levy has been introduced, plastic carrier bag use as gone up for two years in a row.
Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), Keep Britain Tidy, the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) and Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) have launched the ‘Break the Bag Habit’ campaign to persuade the Government to reduce litter and waste by requiring retailers to introduce a small levy on all single-use bags.
“Bag levies have been proven to work in Ireland and Wales. A levy is coming soon to Northern Ireland and Scotland is already consulting on introducing one. Why must the English countryside be the last to benefit from good environmental policies?” said Samantha Harding, CPRE Stop the Drop Campaign manager.
Increase in carrier bag use
Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), Keep Britain Tidy, the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) and Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) have launched the ‘Break the Bag Habit’ campaign to persuade the Government to reduce litter and waste by requiring retailers to introduce a small levy on all single-use bags.
“Bag levies have been proven to work in Ireland and Wales. A levy is coming soon to Northern Ireland and Scotland is already consulting on introducing one. Why must the English countryside be the last to benefit from good environmental policies?” said Samantha Harding, CPRE Stop the Drop Campaign manager.
Increase in carrier bag use
Latest figures from Government waste reduction agency WRAP show the number of carrier bags being given out by supermarkets rose by more than five per cent last year across the UK – the second annual rise in a row.
But in Wales, where a five pence per bag was introduced last October, the number of single-use bags issued has fallen by between 70 and 96 per cent, as estimated by retailers.
Phil Barton, Keep Britain Tidy’s chief executive, said: “The sight of a carrier bag blowing down the high street like tumbleweed is one with which we are all familiar. It is time to tackle this problem once and for all and we urge the government to follow Wales’ example and introduce a levy in England.”
The increase in carrier bag use mirrored a rise in plastic bags littering our streets and beaches, according to a survey by Keep Britain Tidy. Last year, during the Marine Conservation Society’s national ‘Beachwatch’ beach cleaning event, volunteers collected over 5,000 bags in just one weekend.
Menace to marine wildlife
But in Wales, where a five pence per bag was introduced last October, the number of single-use bags issued has fallen by between 70 and 96 per cent, as estimated by retailers.
Phil Barton, Keep Britain Tidy’s chief executive, said: “The sight of a carrier bag blowing down the high street like tumbleweed is one with which we are all familiar. It is time to tackle this problem once and for all and we urge the government to follow Wales’ example and introduce a levy in England.”
The increase in carrier bag use mirrored a rise in plastic bags littering our streets and beaches, according to a survey by Keep Britain Tidy. Last year, during the Marine Conservation Society’s national ‘Beachwatch’ beach cleaning event, volunteers collected over 5,000 bags in just one weekend.
Menace to marine wildlife
“Single use bags and plastic bags in particular are a menace to the amazing marine wildlife found in English waters,” said Dr Sue Kinsey, Litter Policy Officer for MCS. “Animals get entangled in them and mistake them for food. This can lead to infections, strangulation, starvation and even death. A levy is a simple, effective way to stop such a pervasive and ubiquitous form of pollution.”
Andy Cummins, SAS Campaign director added: “Throughout the year, around the country, thousands of SAS supporters are stepping over plastic bags on the way to the surf. Consumers, retailers and even the Prime Minister support the bag levy. A levy will reduce litter and protect the environment, so David Cameron, it’s time England carried the bag levy too.”
Andy Cummins, SAS Campaign director added: “Throughout the year, around the country, thousands of SAS supporters are stepping over plastic bags on the way to the surf. Consumers, retailers and even the Prime Minister support the bag levy. A levy will reduce litter and protect the environment, so David Cameron, it’s time England carried the bag levy too.”
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