Banning plastic bags is one of my pet subjects, a topic close to my heart after researching and writing an academic paper on this subject. So I’m delighted to read that China, a great provider of plastic goods, is in fact banning free plastic bags, those horrid, flimsy things that are so thoughtlessly discarded and can be seen clinging to hedges and trees.
I have been most impressed by the lead taken by the Republic of Ireland to ban free plastic bags in an attempt to reduce littering since 2002. It has led to a reduction of more than 90% of plastic bags. Shoppers soon got used to taking reusable bags with them.
I remember one of their proud waste officers telling me how delegates came all over to world to visit them in Dublin and learn from their best practice – including China, who have now obviously acted on the findings of their visit. Plastic bags clog waterways and rivers in third world countries too leading to water and crop production problems.
Last year, the then Environment Secretary, David Miliband refused to introduce a similar plastic bag levy in the UK, opting instead for an ineffective approach to reduce our use of plastic bags by 25% within two years, following a Defra agreement with UK retailers to reach this goal. I doubt this has had a huge impact.
Only now, local authorities around the country are taking matters into their own hands and considering introducing their own ban on plastic bags. Modbury, a tiny town in Devon, took an inspirational stand on this and has been outstandingly successful, with every trader agreeing to use environmentally friendly alternatives.
I’ve been to Dublin and seen how shoppers accepted the levy, and they now find plastic bags distasteful when visiting England and cannot believe how wasteful we are with them. It helps people focus more on environmental issues too.
Government needs to be decisive and listen to the mood of its people on this. Why not visit Modbury and see how it works. Fancy letting China take the lead on this ahead of us.
(Pic caption: Credit The Times, used plastic bags are taken for recycling. I really liked their headline too, as you can tell!
So the chap in the photo will have no job!?!
Snafu, he’s certainly pulling an incredible load, it must be exhausting.
The only thing that worries me as a dog owner is how we will scoop our poop?
What about the reusable plastic bags offered by supermarkets?
I believe Australia is doing something similar.
Im totally with you on this one!
I think Ireland is right. They should be outright banned everywhere. Now, what to do with those disposable nappies?
People soon get used to it when forced to change.
WW, the fact is that not enough shoppers are buying them to make the scheme successful, which is why it has to be legislated.
I’d be glad if something was done. I fully support the principle but I am so useless I always forget to re-use my bags or take alternatives. If I was forced to, I’d be grateful!
Plastic bags are made from a by-product of the oil refining process. If we don’t use it for bags then they have to flare it off.
That’ll help the environment.
I hope Bishop Hill is mistaken.
We always request paper bags at the grocery in our family… but you can’t avoid plastic bags in many stores. We save these for recycling in a ‘bag of bags.’ There are a couple of stores around here (in Chicago) that take these bags for recycling. San Francisco, I hear, is on the verge of banning plastic bags altogether.
Hi Ellee! I hope this comment finds you in great spirits.
Our Environment minister, Peter Garrett (former lead singer from the band Midnight Oil) has vowed that all plastic bags will be banned this year, or that a levy will be charged for those using them.
I think it’s a fantastic idea. I tend to pack my groceries in the recycled bags purchased for a few bucks but I am only one person!
Mutley, perhaps you’ll need to carry a pooper-scooper with you! Smelly! 🙂
Cheers Ellee,
Smack
Can’t agree with you more, Ellee. In America alone the situation is out of hand.
I must say for all my complaining about life in Berlin, I do appreciate its plastic bag policy: if you want one, you have to buy it, which no one does. Nearly everyone shops with a canvas tote or basket. It may not be a ban, but it’s a start.
And I quite enjoy parading my classic little basket to the grocer. . .
Its about to happen here. they say by Christmas they will be banned!
Someone in Saltash has also taken up the cudgel so as to get Cornwall plastic bag free. Think it’s a great idea.
While we’re at it let’s ban polystyrene fast food packaging too.
I’d prefer shops to be banned from handing out ANY bags for free, including recycled ones, because every form of shopping bags takes energy to create and recycled bags actually require more energy – thereby doing more damage to the environment.
http://lettersfromatory.wordpress.com
Kevin, I can’t stand polystyrene and entirely agree.
Well, I don’t want them banned! It’s OK if you have a car outside that supermarket but if you haven’t you might just not have enough reusable bags with you.
Well good news for Cambridge. The village of Girton has just gone plastic free and watch this space with regard to Mill Road, Cambridge.
Caroline, you are absolutely right, I remember reading that about Girton. It won’t be long before Cambridge joins in too.