English shoppers ditch the carrier bag

Around 90% of people in England now take their own bags with them when food shopping as a result of the plastic carrier bag charge, new research has revealed. This has increased from 70% before the charge was introduced and was independent of age, gender or income. In addition to this, less than 1 in 15 shoppers (7%) are now regularly taking single-use carrier bags at the checkout, the research from Cardiff University shows, as opposed to 1 in 4 shoppers before the charge. According to the researchers, the study showed that the charge made shoppers stop and think whether they really need to use a single-use plastic bag for their shopping. The results come from the very first study to examine the attitudes and behaviours of the English population since the single-use carrier bag charge was first introduced almost a year ago on 5 October 2015 The study, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), was undertaken by researchers at Cardiff University's Welsh School of Architecture, in conjunction with IPSOS Mori. The study combined a longitudinal survey, a longitudinal diary and study, and observations in eight supermarkets. Results also showed an increase in support in England for the carrier bag charge since it was introduced, rising from 51% to 62%, as well as an increase in support for other potential waste reduction charges, such as a charge on plastic water bottles.