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It looks like it is going to happen! There is going to be SOME charging for SOME plastic bags! Still not a ban and even more frustrating only applies to retailers who employ over 250 people. Mmnn…… well what do we think? I think it is a start but the exclusions are ridiculous. Here is the DEFRA link for the facts,
Beattie might be able to find a better document but I want to post a bit about our plans!
Think there was something about this in the small print of the last budget.
“We will introduce a 5p charge for single use plastic carrier bags, to come into effect in October 2015. The aim is to reduce the use of these bags to help protect the environment. We will encourage businesses to donate the proceeds from the charge to good causes.”
Did not get excited about it as the charge is rather on the low side, but still….
Well yes but I think people won’t pay on principle for something that used to be free so it doesn’t matter how much it is. It works in Lidl and Audi where I think they charge 5p.
I think the problem is the exemptions, over 25% employees etc but still……….
I think the 250 employees is overall – presumably nationwide, not per branch of the supermarket, or whatever, so it will exempt family-run corner shops but catch chains. Does it apply to hardware, clothing, toys etc? Lots of people I meet just use their own bags for food shopping but don’t take them if they’re going out to look for those sorts of things.
The hysteria about it has been driving me nuts! Part of the trouble is being old I can remember when you wouldn’t have been so silly as to go shopping without a shopping bag or basket. Other parts of the UK seemed to have coped with the charge without so much fuss, or was the fuss just not reported down south? Anyway, if it cuts down the use of plastic – Yippee!
I was in a chain pound shop the other day and several customers were using their own bags. But the lady at the checkout behind me requested 2 bags – maybe she’ll bring her own next time.
About two months after the plastic bag charge came in, Tesco reckons that the use of disposable plastic bags has declined by 80%.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-35013520
At long last, indeed! Now for the smaller shops…..
There is undoubtedly a reduction already. There was an item on our local news about how the Leicester City river and canal wardens are fishing out 80% less plastic bags from the water since the charges came in.
On a crosser note the presenter then said its ok to pay the 5p because it goes to charity……NO IT’S NOT OK!! Please don’t say that!
Greetings from Teaboy and Bernie. Bernie hasn’t been able to make many bags recently, not much free time, but the family are still regular bag users.
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