THE BIG BAG BAN
When the 5p plastic bag charge was introduced in 2015, it was instantly hailed as a game-changer for encouraging consumers to adopt more eco-friendly practices when it came to their everyday use and consumption of plastic. Whilst in that time the sales of “single-use” plastic bags has dropped by 95%, the reality is that the much thicker, heavy-duty “Bags for Life” (which contain three times as much plastic as a single-use version) are being sold by the bucketload with some supermarket reporting a tenfold increase in sales year on year — that’s 3.5 milliion bags sold in 2018 to 34 milliion in 2019!
When the 5p levy was initially introduced it was to be donated by retailers to charitable causes supporting society and the environment. In the past six years, several retailers have since eliminated single-use 5p carrier bags, offering “Bags for Life” as the only bag solution. Unlike single-use bags, the charges on “Bags for Life” are not expected to be donated to good causes and retailers are not required to formally report sales.
Whilst the 5p plastic bag charge has widely been communicated as a success, the above figures would suggest that instead, many consumers have simply absorbed the charge rather than changed their habits.
Planet Patrol, a global movement that exists to protect our planet and wildlife by addressing the pressing threats of litter and single-use culture, has launched the Big Bag Ban initiative in order to get the 2.1 billion plastic bags sold in the year 2019 in the UK down to zero, as well as demand fully transparent reporting from the government and retailers on the volume of ALL plastic bags sold and how the proceeds are being used, and encourage closed-loop solutions that encourage reuse.
If this raises your eyebrows as well as the hairs on your body on reading how what was once a high five-worthy green solution has instead turned into a punch in the stomach, then go straight to this petition and sign — if implemented, this policy would have such a massive positive impact on our environmental health.
Remembering to pack reusable bag for the shops and supermarket takes a few seconds of organisation — the best way I’ve found is to carry a cotton tote bag in my main bag whenever I leave home, wherever I’m going and whatever my plans are, as it is often those unplanned spur of the moment purchases that catch you out.
I wanted to share some of my favourite reusable bags that are kind to the planet and easy to stash in your car, next to your front door, in your handbag or even use as your regular handbag-stroke-shopping-bag!
This handy tote bag is made from recycled plastic bags — it’s waterproof, unisex and durable! Ideal for shopping and everyday use.
Baggu's best-selling reusable bag (made using 40% recycled material) is both stylish and versatile. It can be worn everywhere and fits (practically) anything. Carry in your hand or over your shoulder. It holds 2-3 plastic grocery bags worth of stuff and is easily washable.
Made from 100% recycled plastic bottles, Herds Bags are both durable and spacious too. You can carry one of these in your hand using the shorter handle or on your shoulder with the longer handle. It’s strong and wipe-clean and big enough to fit everything you need and more.
Strong and versatile, this bag is made from 100% recycled materials. The body of the bag is made from super-tough waterproof, lorry-curtain fabric, which was saved from going to waste whilst the handles are made from recycled bike wheel inner-tubes which are strong but never cut into your hands when the bag is full. Cycle of Good is a trading initiative raising funds for its parent charity Krizevac Project. The brand hires 33 Malawian tailors full time, with the ambition to soon grow this to a team of 100. The team earn a good wage and can support their families, without any charity donations or handouts. Cycle of Good’s product range revolves around creating things out of items which would have gone to landfill.
For seasoned Londoners, this classic green tote bag will need no introduction. Featuring the famed Daunt Books Marylebone shopfront, this bag is fair trade and made by re-wrap, a not-for-profit organisation working with co-operatives in India. Its size means it will fit a surprisingly massive amount of shopping (or your everyday essentials and last-minute purchases). Bonus points for making you look extremely well-read.