Brits want free plastic bags banned

Nine out of ten Brits are concerned about the environmental impact of single use carrier bags, a new survey has revealed.

A Reusabags survey of 2,000 UK adults found that 91% of people worry that plastic bags are bad for the environment, whilst 82% said a 10-15p charge for plastic bags would encourage them to switch to reusable carriers.

Nearly 70% of those polled said retailers’ voluntary 50% reduction in carrier bag usage by spring 2010 is not enough, whilst 46% said the government should step in to tax bags or allow local councils to ban bags in their area.

Chris Amos, Reusabags founder, said he doesn’t mind plastic bags, but is opposed to them being given away for free.

He added that in his native Australia, there is a stigma on plastic bag use that makes people feel embarrassed if they forget a reusable bag.

The British Retail Consortium, however, opposes bag charges and believes that voluntary agreements are working well.

In related news, the Welsh Assembly is drawing up legislation to impose a 20p tax on plastic carrier bags used in the country.

Citing Australia and Italy as examples, Welsh Assembly Environment Minister Jane Davidson said: “Experience around the world has told us that the most effective way to meet our aspirations on plastic bags is with regulations.”