Reminder about Welsh carrier bag charge
Shoppers in Carmarthenshire are being reminded about the introduction of the carrier bag charge.
From October 1, 2011 there will be a minimum charge of 5p for every single-use carrier bag in Wales.
The typical shopper in the UK uses anything up to 720 carrier bags every year.
The Welsh Government wants to drastically reduce the amount of single-use bags we use which is why from October you’ll be charged for a bag wherever you shop.
You don’t have to pay a penny though.
By remembering to take your shopping bag with you every time you shop you’ll avoid the charge and save valuable resources.
Each plastic bag can take up to 1,000 years to decompose, and may never breakdown in landfill.
Paper bags are not an environmentally friendly alternative; they are still a waste of natural resources.
Even starch based biodegradable and fully compostable bags use natural resources. If these are only used for one trip and not composted, these are a bigger waste of resources than conventional plastic carrier bags.
The council’s Executive Board Member for Sustainability Cllr Pam Palmer said: “Figures show that more than eight out of 10 carrier bags are disposed of in landfill; and many more end up as rubbish. We simply cannot continue wasting our valuable resources in this way.
“Charging for carrier bags will help to tackle climate change, as well as reduce litter and protect wildlife and natural resources.
“Residents in Carmarthenshire are being urged to remember to take their reusable bags with them whenever and wherever they shop so that they avoid the charge and help protect our beautiful environment.”
For more information about the introduction of a minimum 5p charge for single-use carrier bags visit www.carrierbagchargewales.gov.uk
From October 1, 2011 there will be a minimum charge of 5p for every single-use carrier bag in Wales.
The typical shopper in the UK uses anything up to 720 carrier bags every year.
The Welsh Government wants to drastically reduce the amount of single-use bags we use which is why from October you’ll be charged for a bag wherever you shop.
You don’t have to pay a penny though.
By remembering to take your shopping bag with you every time you shop you’ll avoid the charge and save valuable resources.
Each plastic bag can take up to 1,000 years to decompose, and may never breakdown in landfill.
Paper bags are not an environmentally friendly alternative; they are still a waste of natural resources.
Even starch based biodegradable and fully compostable bags use natural resources. If these are only used for one trip and not composted, these are a bigger waste of resources than conventional plastic carrier bags.
The council’s Executive Board Member for Sustainability Cllr Pam Palmer said: “Figures show that more than eight out of 10 carrier bags are disposed of in landfill; and many more end up as rubbish. We simply cannot continue wasting our valuable resources in this way.
“Charging for carrier bags will help to tackle climate change, as well as reduce litter and protect wildlife and natural resources.
“Residents in Carmarthenshire are being urged to remember to take their reusable bags with them whenever and wherever they shop so that they avoid the charge and help protect our beautiful environment.”
For more information about the introduction of a minimum 5p charge for single-use carrier bags visit www.carrierbagchargewales.gov.uk
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