PSWMC - Changing the way we work

The bags were issued to local shops and shoppers in Penarth by Environment Minister Jane Davidson and were a reminder that by this time the next year Wales’ mandatory charge for single use carrier bags will have come into force.

The Minister was joined by Tricia Griffiths from Gwyrddio Penarth Greening, a local group campaigning for the people of Penarth to live more sustainable lives.  

The Minister and Tricia visited local shoe shop, Ogam Igam and Charles Sadler ltd fishmongers to distribute reusable bags.

Speaking about the carrier bag charge, the Minister said:

“There is no doubt that we have all become better at shopping with reusable, rather than single use carrier bags, over the last few years.

“However despite our efforts we are still using at least 300 million plastic bags   a year in Wales, with each bag clogging up landfill, releasing harmful greenhouse gasses into the environment and  taking between 500 and 1000 years to degrade.

“This can’t continue and that is why we are working to drive down our consumption much further by introducing a mandatory charge for single use carrier bags.

“We are the first part of the UK to introduce this charge and I am very excited that Wales is leading the way in this area.

“I would urge everyone in Wales to get into the habit of taking reusable bags with them when they go out shopping so that we will all be prepared for the charge when it is introduced next spring.“

Tricia Griffiths from Gwyrddio Penarth Greening said:

“We are passionate about encouraging the people of Penarth to live more sustainable lives. This could include  being more energy efficient, supporting local food producers and retailers and reusing and recycling wherever possible.

“Shopping with reusable carriers is one small way that we can all make a difference and I was delighted to join the Minister today to help spread this message.“

For more information please visit: http://wales.gov.uk/news/latest/100318carrierbags/?lang=en