“Lose the bad habit and get a bag habit” - Poots
25 August 2010
Environment Minister, Edwin Poots today issued a call for everyone to reduce the amount of single-use carrier bags that are used each year.
The Minister was speaking following the announcement of the 2010 results of the UK Voluntary Carrier Bag Agreement with the British Retail Consortium (BRC).
The 2009/2010 figures for Northern Ireland show a 9% reduction in single-use bags over the previous year. This equates to 19 million bags less in circulation in comparison to 2008/2009. This was achieved against a sales volume growth period in Northern Ireland of more than three times the UK average in recent years.
The Minister however warned against complacency and pointed out that there is much more to be done.
Mr Poots said: "I am encouraged that the major supermarket retailers and their customers continue to reduce single- use carrier bag consumption.
"As a result of their actions there are 19 million less single-use carrier bags in circulation in Northern Ireland than there was last year. That is 19 million less bags that could potentially end up in landfill.
"Taking reusable bags shopping is a very simple yet effective way for everyone to play their part in helping to prevent waste. I encourage everyone to lose a bad habit and instead "Get a bag habit" by reusing plastic bags or switching to other reusable bags."
For further information and advice on waste prevention and how to "Get a bag habit" log on to Rethink Waste at http://rethinkwasteni.org/ .
Notes to editors:
1. The Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP), in association with the BRC, carried out a data comparison between the month of May in 2009 and again the month of May in 2010 as well as looking at annual trends. Data is supplied by the seven UK major supermarket retailers (Asda, Co-op, Marks & Spencers, Morrisons, Tescos, Sainsburys, Waitrose). The May results showed an increase in numbers and volume of plastic bags used across the UK except Wales. For Northern Ireland this could be potentially due to higher sales volume growth (including cross-border trade) and an unknown seasonal factor effecting the reporting period, or a combination of these factors. The annual trend figures provide a more complete picture of what is happening with regard to bag consumption.
2. Despite a more significant increase in single-use carrier bags between the month of May 2009 and the month of May 2010, bag use in Northern Ireland per capita is in line with bag use per capita for the rest of the UK. For May 2010, the Northern Ireland figure for single-use bags per capita was 8.1 (UK average 7.7; England 7.6; Scotland 8.3 and Wales 8.9).
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. Between the years 2006-2009 there was a sales volume growth increase of 21.6% in Northern Ireland. The UK average was 6.3%. [Data source: Kantar Worldpanel data]
5. Further information on carrier bags can be found at http://www.wrap.org.uk/bags
6. 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 07699715 440 and your call will be returned.
