26 November 2007
The Prime Minister has praised two local communities in the UK for cutting down on the use of disposable plastic bags.
Writing to the Exeter Express & Echo newspaper, Mr Brown offered his support to the city’s Green Shoppers campaign that aims to reduce the the use of plastic bags by 25 percent. The PM said he was convinced that disposable bags could be replaced by "long-lasting and more sustainable alternatives" such as Exeter’s green bag.
Mr Brown also praised retailers in Modbury, South Devon, who have permanently banned polythene carrier bags after a six-month trial. The people of the town were "leading the way" in the effort to reduce the environmental impact of plastic bags, he said.
Campaign leader Rebecca Hosking said that steps taken in Modbury showed how "anyone can make a difference".
Last week the PM gave a keynote speech on tackling climate change and global warming, targeting a reduction in disposable packaging and announcing a new forum wirh major supermarkets on the issue of waste.
He said:
"All over the country campaigns have been formed to get rid of disposable plastic bags - one of the most visible symbols of environmental waste. Every year in Britain over 13 billion single use carrier bags are distributed - over 10 bags a week for every household.
"In partnership with the government the supermarkets have already committed to reduce the environmental impact of plastic bags by 25% over the next year. But I believe we can go further."
Image copyright: Exeter Express & Echo
delicious
digg
facebook
