Retailers have spoken out about a campaign by environmentalists for a charge on all single-use carrier bags in England.
Break the Bag Habit was launched on Wednesday by The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), Keep Britain Tidy, the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) and Surfers Against Sewage (SAS), who are calling on the government to reduce litter and waste by requiring retailers to introduce a small levy on all single-use bags.
“Over the past two years, the number of carrier bags used in England has increased despite repeated government calls for retailers to reduce the numbers they give out,” said the campaigners in a statement, pointing to an increase in carrier bag use which they say mirrored a rise in plastic bags littering English streets and beaches.
However the BRC pointed to gains that have been made. A spokeswoman said: “Let’s not forget, the number of carrier bags used in 2011 is still a third lower than in 2006. The majority of shoppers do their best to reuse bags and take as few new bags as possible. However, shopping trends are changing and it’s clear many customers appreciate the bags they’re offered.”
The campaigners want a charge on bags similar to the one introduced in Wales which might find favour with retailers. The BRC spokeswoman said: “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.”
