Cut back on plastic bags, urges Poots

Do you really need that plastic bag?

This is the question Environment Minister Edwin Poots is asking all retailers and customers at the start of Need A Bag week.

The campaign, which starts today, aims to encourage retailers and their customers to think twice about using plastic bags.

Last year, every person in Northern Ireland used on average nearly 100 single-use plastic bags each. Need A Bag Week aims to bring this figure down. This year it runs from the 20-24 September when a number of participating local councils will be distributing 8,000 re-usable shopping bags. Mr Poots urged everyone to help drive down our use of plastic bags.

He said: “Last year in Northern Ireland the major supermarkets handed out 189 million single use carrier bags. This amounted to an estimated 96 bags per person. Taking reusable bags when shopping is a very simple yet effective way for everyone to play their part in helping to prevent waste.

“It’s the simple things which make a big difference. If people remember to keep their re-useable bags close at hand, it can go a long way to cutting down on the use of plastic bags.

“Put your re-usable bags somewhere you're likely to see them, for example beside your door; or keep them in your car so they are there when you go shopping; or tuck one into your handbag or coat pocket.

“When going to the shops – remember your re-usable bags.”

For further information and advice on waste prevention and how to “Get a bag habit” log onto the Rethink Waste website

Notes to editors:

1. Eight Councils in the Southern Waste Management Partnership (SWaMP) have teamed up to produce 8,000 limited edition re-usable shopping bags to reduce reliance on disposable shopping bags and to raise awareness of waste reduction.
2. The bags will be distributed to local consumers in these Council areas during the week commencing 20 September and Council officers will also be available at some public locations during the day to provide advice and information on waste reduction and recycling issues.
3. In Northern Ireland 189 million single use bags were handed out in the year 2009/10 compared to 208 million bags in 2008/09 equating to a 9% reduction in bags handed out over the year (UK average 9%; England 8%; Scotland 13%; Wales 15%; all reductions). This equates to 19 million bags or 196 tonnes.
4. All media enquiries should be directed to the DOE Press Office on 028 9054 0003. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.