This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-29677458
The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 1 | Version 2 |
---|---|
Minimum charge for carrier bags in Scotland introduced | |
(35 minutes later) | |
A mandatory carrier bag charge has been introduced in Scotland for the first time. | A mandatory carrier bag charge has been introduced in Scotland for the first time. |
Shoppers will now have to pay a minimum of 5p per bag, with many retailers donating proceeds to good causes. | Shoppers will now have to pay a minimum of 5p per bag, with many retailers donating proceeds to good causes. |
In May, MSPs voted to bring in the new regulations in a bid to tackle Scotland's litter problem, but the fee does not just apply to plastic bags. | In May, MSPs voted to bring in the new regulations in a bid to tackle Scotland's litter problem, but the fee does not just apply to plastic bags. |
It has also been imposed on single-use carriers made from eco-friendly materials. | It has also been imposed on single-use carriers made from eco-friendly materials. |
The minimum charge applies to all retailers, not just supermarkets. | The minimum charge applies to all retailers, not just supermarkets. |
Wales became the first part of the UK to introduce a minimum charge for single-use carrier bags in 2011, followed by Northern Ireland last year. | Wales became the first part of the UK to introduce a minimum charge for single-use carrier bags in 2011, followed by Northern Ireland last year. |
The Scottish government has estimated that 800 million single-use bags are given out by supermarkets every year in Scotland alone. | The Scottish government has estimated that 800 million single-use bags are given out by supermarkets every year in Scotland alone. |
More than 160 retailers including Marks and Spencer, McDonald's and The Co-operative Group have registered for Zero Waste Scotland's Carrier Bag Commitment, launched earlier this year. | |
This means organisations have agreed to donate the net proceeds from the charge to good causes, which may include environmental causes. | |
'Throwaway culture' | 'Throwaway culture' |
Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said: "I'm extremely proud that this landmark legislation is now in force. | Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said: "I'm extremely proud that this landmark legislation is now in force. |
"Our carrier bag addiction is symptomatic of our throwaway culture and has serious implications for the environment. | "Our carrier bag addiction is symptomatic of our throwaway culture and has serious implications for the environment. |
"Huge numbers of these bags end up as litter, blighting our communities and clogging up our seas and natural habitats, affecting many sorts of wildlife and marine species in particular. | "Huge numbers of these bags end up as litter, blighting our communities and clogging up our seas and natural habitats, affecting many sorts of wildlife and marine species in particular. |
"We want that to change and for people to stop and think about whether they really need to take another bag. | "We want that to change and for people to stop and think about whether they really need to take another bag. |
"Alternatives like bags-for-life are easy to get and are much more sustainable." | "Alternatives like bags-for-life are easy to get and are much more sustainable." |
'Step forward' | 'Step forward' |
The Marine Conservation Society said the Scottish move was "a major step forward in tackling a problem that causes so much harm to marine wildlife". | The Marine Conservation Society said the Scottish move was "a major step forward in tackling a problem that causes so much harm to marine wildlife". |
The society has argued that it will reduce harmful litter on beaches and in the sea, and prevent many wildlife entanglements and choking deaths. | The society has argued that it will reduce harmful litter on beaches and in the sea, and prevent many wildlife entanglements and choking deaths. |
Pollution programme manager Laura Foster said: "We look forward to seeing the results in Scotland following the great example that has been set in Wales and in Northern Ireland. | Pollution programme manager Laura Foster said: "We look forward to seeing the results in Scotland following the great example that has been set in Wales and in Northern Ireland. |
"A 5p charge on all single-use carrier bags, regardless of the material they are made from, is a really encouraging step forward and millions of bags will now not end up in Scottish waters thanks to this decision by Holyrood." | "A 5p charge on all single-use carrier bags, regardless of the material they are made from, is a really encouraging step forward and millions of bags will now not end up in Scottish waters thanks to this decision by Holyrood." |
Environmental group WWF Scotland also welcomed the mandatory fees. | Environmental group WWF Scotland also welcomed the mandatory fees. |
Director Lang Banks said: "We know that in other parts of the world, charges for plastic bags have led to dramatic reductions in their use, as well as positive changes in consumer behaviour. | Director Lang Banks said: "We know that in other parts of the world, charges for plastic bags have led to dramatic reductions in their use, as well as positive changes in consumer behaviour. |
"A great example is Denmark, which introduced a charge in 2003, and now has the lowest plastic bag use in Europe, using four plastic bags per person per year. | "A great example is Denmark, which introduced a charge in 2003, and now has the lowest plastic bag use in Europe, using four plastic bags per person per year. |
"At present Scots consume nearly 800 million carrier bags every year, with millions ending up in landfill, polluting our environment and threatening wildlife." | "At present Scots consume nearly 800 million carrier bags every year, with millions ending up in landfill, polluting our environment and threatening wildlife." |