Government To Tackle Environmental Pollution By Raising Plastic Bags To 10p

Everyone loved watching Blue Planet 2 for its breathtaking moments, but it was even better for raising awareness on plastic pollution. Let's be clear: there is still much more to be done to protect the environment - and it looks like the fight against plastic is going to the next level.

According to the Daily Telegraph, plastic bag prices across the whole of the UK are set to rise to 10p, as Prime Minister Theresa May is expected to announce the change in a campaign to tackle plastic pollution. The best part is that every retailer will have to adopt the new plan.

The current 5p charge often works as a deterrent, putting some people off the thought of wasting their money on a bag they're going to use once and then throw away.

And hey, it's helping to reduce waste - scientists said earlier this year that the number of plastic bags found on the ocean floor had significantly dropped.

PA

One person on Twitter tweeted: "Plastic carrier bags to double to 10p. Last year, £58m raised for good causes. Excellent news for the #environment and #sealife and #wildlife."

Another user added: "We don't need plastic bags. Ban, ban, ban."

However, not everyone is happy about the 'significant' hike in price.

"Is the government having a laugh? Don't you think we are paying enough to [use] them as it is without paying 10p per plastic bag? Cheeky swines!" one person tweeted.

PA

Fortunately, it seems most people would welcome the move. To be fair, you'll find most people have a rucksack with them or a reusable bag for them to put their stuff in at the shops.

Plastic bags are far from the be-all and end-all in the campaign against environmental pollution. If you like heading out for a drink (who doesn't?), you'll know plastic straws are also being targeted and big chains like JD Wetherspoon have already withdrawn them.

Of course, McDonald's is the next to ditch them from the start of next month, with more people happy to accept biodegradable options.

Would any of us really be annoyed by plastic bags going up in price? After all, it's not like Freddos are going up again - we're still not over the fact that it's 25p for one now.

Topics: UK News, trash isles

Ronan O'Shea

Ronan J O'Shea is a freelance journalist from London who has written for titles including LADbible, Headspace, The Independent, National Geographic Traveller and New York Post. Contact him at [email protected].