Soon, consumers across England will have to pay 5p each single-use bag at the major supermarket chains. This new scheme by the government is part of an overall effort to decrease litter and preserve wildlife. The government will not receive any money raised. According to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, this change will save PS 60 millions in cleanup costs, and more than PS 13million in carbon emissions. The new regulations will require that plastic bags be charged to all stores with at least employees. The new rules will mean that all four major supermarkets (Tesco Sainsbury’s Asda Morrisons, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Asda) will have to charge customers at least 5p per bag they use for delivery or shopping. Paper bags and small stores will not be charged. Plastic bags will not be taxed if used to transport raw meat, fish, prescriptions, or flowers. The decision was welcomed by environmentalists, who also stressed the need for smaller shops to follow their lead. Major supermarkets across England gave out 7.6 billion single use bags last year, which is equivalent to approximately tons. David Powell, a senior resource campaigner for Friends of the Earth said that the charge would significantly decrease the number of single-use bags distributed in the UK every year. However, it should also apply to small shops. The Association of Convenience Stores and more than half of the people in England support the extension of the program to all retailers. And in Wales, 90 percent of all businesses said that the 5p fee has not had an impact on their business. Rory Stewart, Environment Minister, stated: “We are all guilty of taking bags from supermarkets, keeping them safe at home, and then forgetting about it when we visit the shops. The more we use plastic bags, the worse it is for our environment. It can ruin our countryside and our marine ecosystems, as well as blighting high streets and causing pollution. Simple changes in our shopping habits, like taking our bags along with us, or using more bags, can help reduce plastic waste and make our country cleaner and healthier.
