carrier bags

[eleanor2]

it appears gordon brown is actually going to do something about the millions of carrier bags wasted each year.we are going to start being charged.its about time.i hate to see such waste.theres no excuses.heavy duty bags are very modern and vesatile.they last for years.they are actually easier to pack.

[franbee]

yes that's good news, although I believe that in Ireland where the bags have been chargeable for some time, they seem to sell a lot more bin liners, apparently people were using the plastic bags for their bins.

[Oola]

I did use the biodegradable bags for old catfood or as free bin liners, but I still welcome the move to charge for reusable bags. I hate seeing rubbish plastic bags flying about or caught in trees. It'll get people used to bringing their own bags or investing in the re-usable ones, as I admit I used to not think about it until fairly recently. Now we've bought the bags for life and I've been a lot better.

[jazzactivist]

I think that it's a good idea, but also have a bin that uses carrier bags which has been very handy and cuts down on bin liners. I now use the biodegradable carrier bags in it, so can feel doubly recycling virtuous, but clearly not for much longer.

[lily]

We already reuse our plastic "freebies". Always have a few in pockets on dog walks, clearing ash from the fire, as well as taking them shopping. Good to see that G Brown has woken up- he has seemed a bit like the invisible man!

[sunflower]

Yes, the carrier bags are great for dog walks. We are gradually reducing plastic bag usage. Each time I shop I buy the supermarkets sturdy canvas bags. Problem is, when shopping for four plus people there is alot to pack. I think also, where I live it is becoming acceptable now to walk out of a shop with your item unwrapped with the receipt in view.

[Crocus]

We pay for our plastic shopping bags for a quite a while now. We also have recycled bags, a material like bag, which is biodegradable. I have quite a few these and just take them along when shopping. In the case of leaving it at home and I have to buy plastic bags, they go in the recycle bag. Something I notice though is that the "new recycled" brown paper bags tear very very easily. I had to get some sinus medication from the pharmacy yesterday and when the assistant was putting the medication in the bag, it just started to tear apart. In fact, when taking the bag from her, it was completely in pieces. I have found this with other recycled bags as well.

[dinger]

M & S have announced they will now be charging for carrier bags .

[eleanor2]

i use heavy duty bags whenever possible.but if i forget or they are all full or i am in town and decide to buy something when i didnt think i was going to.i end up with plenty of carrier bags for my bin.the thing that amazes me is the recycled bags bin at the entrance to the supermarkets are large and always overflowing with bags.these people could have reused them instead of having nice new ones just for the sake of it.they are not broke or holey.cus if i forget my bags i sometimes take a few out of the recycle bin.they are in good condition.

[eleanor2]

did anyone see the pictures in the daily mail all the tesco shopping bags absolutely blown everywhere around there supermarkets.hundreds of them stuck in edges and up trees.

[Ivy]

I am the proud owner of a gallery of straw bags in all sorts of colours. I choose them to go with my outfit. I also have a canvas bag stored in my handbag for the unexpected shopping. (i.e. forgot to buy milk or bread) I am also the owner of an old fashioned shopping basket good if I cycle to the market. It's very seldom I do have to get a shopping bag in a shop. Ok they are good as bin liners but than I always had more bags than rubbish when I stayed in the UK and generally took them back home and they still lasted a couple of months on...

[eleanor2]

hi ivy my daughter bought me a lovely posh straw shopping bag from france.i take that town shopping with a canvas bag inside.last time i was in debenhams i told them i didn't want a bag.they used to say i had to,but their policy is changed.people can choose to have a bag or not.

[TIGGYWINKLE]

The charge for plastic bags has worked extremely well here in Ireland.You must get into a routine from the start -When you have unpacked, put your carrier bags back into the boot of the car, and most important, when you get to the supermarket remember to take the bags in with you! How often do you go into the supermarket to buy 2 items, that you can carry, to find you end up with 10 items, and then have to buy a plastic bag. I have overcome this, by buying a plastic collapsing basket, & always keep it in the car. I use it instead of the supermarket basket, everything is visable, and it doesn't hurt as much when you bash into someone.I use it for this sort of shop, and pop the stuff in to carry home. I find this basket great for fetes for carrying plants, jams, eggs etc.

[Pippa]

Your collapsing basket sounds ideal Tiggy, especially for jars and eggs. I have built up a collection of bags now and often make a few fabric book type bags which I keep at hand. I bought a little straw shopper yesterday from a charity shop, it has a zip so can keep my purse in it and ideal for a few small purchases.

[TIGGYWINKLE]

I too have a collection of shopping bags for different things. I must say I am very partial to straw shopping bags and baskets. They are romantic. It is good to have a Zipped compartment, rather than having a purse vunerable. The little cloth ones are handy to have, in case of extra purchases.