AM PRAISES FALL IN CARRIER BAG USE

Aberavon AM, David Rees, has praised the effects of the single-use carrier bag charge which was introduced a year ago this week.

Since the charge was introduced in October 2011, carrier bag use in Wales has reduced by as much as 96% in some retail sectors, and a recent survey of attitudes indicated that the charge is now supported by around 70% of people in Wales.

The charge has also resulted in more money for charities and not for profit organisations as the Welsh Government has called on retailers to pass proceeds from the 5p charge onto environmental or good causes.

David Rees AM said:
“Evidence shows that shoppers across Aberavon have adapted to the charge and are doing their bit for the environment.

“In Wales, in the year prior to the charge, we took home an estimated 350 million carrier bags from the major supermarkets alone. This figure equates to a remarkable273 bags per household. Many of these bags ended up littering and damaging our countryside, seas and wildlife.”

“This small step is already resulting in a huge change in attitudes and habits. It’s also fantastic that so many worthwhile charities are benefiting from any money given through the charge for single-use bags.”

You can access details of a number of environmental and good causes that have benefitted as a result of the charge at www.carrierbagchargewales.gov.uk