Commenting on a new report by the Environmental Audit Committee published today (Thursday 6 February 2014) warning the Government to keep its proposed carrier bags levy simple, Friends of the Earth Resource Campaigner Michael Warhurst said: “It’s crucial that the Government takes action to cut waste, and putting a charge on all disposable bags is a step in the right direction.
“But a carrier bag levy is just a drop in the ocean in terms of dealing with the UK’s waste problem.
“Ministers must take urgent steps to slash waste and turn it into valuable resources, and save some of the phenomenal £650m a year we squander burying and burning reusable and recyclable materials.
“The Government lacks any ambition or clue when it comes to increasing reuse and recycling, and slashing waste in England. It must follow in the footsteps of Wales and Scotland who have not only successfully introduced plastic bag levies, but have also set higher recycling targets.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
