You’ll be well aware by now that I’m a sustainability and recycling fiend, so you may well imagine my delight at the Government’s recent decision to finally impose a levy on the reusable plastic bags handed out to shoppers at larger stores and supermarkets, in a move to reduce waste and the environmental impact they have and encourage people to take their own bags with them when they shop.

It is hoped that the 5p levied on each bag will go to charity, but bearing in mind the good causes that will benefit and knowing just how little 5p is actually worth these days, I wonder whether the figure should be doubled to act as a greater deterrent against bag use and the scheme expanded to encompass all shops. What do you think?

I asked this question yesterday in KBzine’s sister publication, Cleanzine, and someone later posted on our Facebook page that the bags comprise a mere 1% of global waste, which I admit isn’t very much, but a move to cut down on their use and thus reduce the damage they cause the environment and wildlife, is certainly a step in the right direction, isn’t it?

And while I’m on the subject of packaging, if you’ve taken steps to reduce the amount that you use, or if you’re in the supply chain and now insist upon your delivery drivers removing packaging at the point of delivery and taking it back to the depot to ensure that it’s disposed of responsibly, I’d love to hear from you!

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Yours,

Jan Hobbs