After a week where pollution of our marine environment has been so much in the news, I was shocked to read that DEFRA appear to be resisting the plastic bag levy for England. After previously making encouraging noises about introducing a charge for these wildlife-killers, Richard Benyon has now said it 'may not be the best option' due to pressures on household budgets.
Billions of plastic bags are discarded each year - and only 6% get recycled. Both Ireland and Wales have shown that a small levy effectively reduces plastic bag use by 90% or more. Yes, household budgets are under pressure, but we can all avoid paying for plastic bags by reusing the bags we already have (plastic and otherwise). That's the whole reason it works.
Discarded plastic bags kill wildlife and are a pointless, needless waste of resources. Making a tiny charge works, and polls show the public support the move. Why are DEFRA still resisting this no brainer all round win?
If you want to encourage DEFRA to make the right choice, add your name to Break the Bag Habit today.
Plastic bag on beach: Craig A Rodway