| Britain to Reduce Plastic Bag Use | 11 March 08 |
 British Prime Minister Gordon Brown signals potential government regulation to reduce plastic bag use if voluntary action is not taken by retailers.An estimated 13 billion plastic bags are given out by retailers in the UK each year, each one taking over 1,000 years to decay. "I am convinced we need to act - and the time to act is now," said Prime Minister Brown "And I want to make clear that if government compulsion is needed to make the change, we will take the necessary steps. We do not take such steps lightly - but the damage that single-use plastic bags inflict on the environment is such that strong action must be taken." Mr. Brown encourages retailers to follow the lead of Ikea who no longer provide single-use plastic bags, and Marks and Spenser who implemented a charge for each bag. Money raised goes to environmental charities. Worldwide, countries and retailers reducing the use of plastic bags: South Africa - ban on thinner plastic bags, levies for thicker ones California, US - supermarkets are required to take back and recycle plastic bags China - free plastic bags banned, production of ultra-thin bags will be stopped Australia - will phase out free plastic bags by end of 2008 Italy - plans to ban plastic bags starting in 2010 Belgium - imposed tax on free bags in 2007 View February 29, 2008 BBC News article View February 29, 2008 The Guardian article View February 28, 2008 BBC News article - Stores to charge View February 28, 2008 BBC News article - World bag bans Source: BBC News, The Guardian |
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