Supermarkets pledge to cut carrier bags
Environment Minister Jane Kennedy and seven of Britain’s major supermarket chains have agreed a 50 per cent cut in the number of carrier bags given out by spring 2009; the longer term aim is to achieve a 70 per cent reduction.
The Government agreement with the British Retail Consortium covers England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The number of bags saved by spring next year through this agreement would fill 60 Olympic-sized swimming pools, or fill the Royal Albert Hall one and a half times.
Today’s pledge is also a step in the right direction to reach a 70 per cent reduction in the longer term.
Jane Kennedy said:
“This is a bold commitment which will result in around five billion fewer bags being handed out. Supermarkets have already taken some imaginative steps to help us use fewer carrier bags and other high street retailers should look to them for inspiration. Of course, we can all play our part to reduce the number of carrier bags on our high streets and the Government will work closely with the BRC on a campaign to help us all to do so.”
Progress on the agreement will be monitored by WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme), and reviewed in 2010.
Further information
Page published: 18 December 2008