In case you haven’t noticed, in the UK we now have to pay for carrier bags when we shop at the supermarket. We take a look into the reasons behind this charge and the effects that it has had.
When did the charge come into effect?
It was actually back in October 2015 that the UK government introduced a 5p charge for single-use carrier bags. The aim was to reduce the amount of plastic waste that was ending up in our oceans and landfills.
What effects did this charge bring about?
Here are some key points regarding the impact of the plastic bag charge in the UK:
- Significant Reduction in Usage: The charge led to a substantial decrease in the use of single-use plastic bags. In the years following its introduction, there was a reported reduction of over 85% in single-use plastic bag usage in England.
- Environmental Benefits: Fewer plastic bags in circulation resulted in a reduction in litter and less harm to wildlife, particularly marine life. This initiative helped to address the problem of plastic pollution in the environment.
- Revenue Generation: It’s up to each individual retailer to decide what to do with the money they make from bag sales. However, they are encouraged to donate the proceeds to good causes, and many supermarkets now have their own charitable foundations that support local and national charities.
- Increased Awareness: The introduction of the charge raised public awareness about the environmental impact of single-use plastics and encouraged people to consider more sustainable alternatives.
- Expansions and Amendments: Over the years, there were discussions about potential amendments to the policy, such as increasing the charge amount or extending it to other types of plastic packaging. So, we may see further taxes in the future! The success of the initiative also led to Scotland and Wales introducing their own bag charges. In Scotland, the charges were introduced in 2014, a year before the rest of the UK, and has led to an even greater reduction in the number of bags being used.
Sustainable Bags are the future
The initiative has been praised by environmental campaigners, but has also had its criticisms. Some argue that the charge is a tax on the poor, as those with less disposable income are more likely to rely on free carrier bags. However, it’s worth noting that many retailers offer reusable bags at a reasonable cost, which can save money in the long run as they can be used multiple times.
In conclusion, the UK carrier bag charge was introduced in 2015 with the aim of reducing plastic waste, and has since been successful in achieving this goal. The money generated from the charge is often donated to charity, and the charge has also been introduced in Scotland and Wales. While there has been criticism, the charge has led to a significant reduction in the number of bags being used and has therefore been beneficial to the environment. Using reusable bags is a great option to reduce plastic waste, bags made from jute and cotton are more durable than single-use plastic bags. By using this type of “bag for life” you can contribute to doing your bit for the environment.