Print industries, especially widely read national newspapers are in forefront when it comes to nudge our hibernating, slow reacting government into action. One such success is 5p charge on use of plastic bags, especially in supermarkets that has reduced usage by nine billion. Yet overall usage is down by 83% only compared to 95% in EU, US average, as certain businesses are exempt from such environment friendly dictates.
One reason is that industries have stranglehold on government who rely on their generous donations. It is time that the influences of both, industries and trade unions are negated on political parties by receiving their findings from public purse, as well as small individual donations, based on a formula that would take into consideration party membership, number of elected members, like MPs, Councillors and Assembly Members. Cost equation should not come in when we spend £14 billion on overseas aid!
Although this reduction is welcome development, yet it is drop in the ocean when compared to overall usage of plastic in retail industry. Germany has successfully introduced deposit of 22p per plastic bottle, refunded on return which has resulted in 100% success, as every bottle is recycled.
Most effective way forward is usage of sturdy glass bottles, as is the norm in many developing countries which can be reused up to twenty times before being discarded. It is time for British public to wake-up and pressure government to go green with vengeance.
Kumudini Valambia
By email
