So often England lags far behind the world when it comes to taking bold steps, as British people are set in their ways, unable and unwilling to change, no matter how beneficial this could be. We were one of the last countries to introduce 5p charge for plastic bags. It only happened due to pressure piled upon government by a leading national newspaper, as supermarkets were against it and businesses have undue influence on government policies. The report just published shows usage down by 85%. It has also raised £29 million, as money raised by 5p charge is donated to charities.
Widespread usage of plastic is curse, especially on marine wildlife, especially dolphins and turtles that swallow it believing it to be jelly fish and meet painful, untimely deaths. It is time government scrap concession granted to small shopkeepers; raise it to 10p that may further reduce usage, as many countries without such exceptions have reduced usage by 95%. Another change that government is unwilling to introduce due to pressure from drink industry is higher price for drinks with high alcohol content that may reduce alcohol related crimes and illnesses such as liver-chloroses that costs a fortune to NHS.
Kumudini Valambia
By email
