Fall in plastic bags found in UK seas linked to bag charge

Reacting to new research showing a decrease in the amount of plastic bags found on the UK’s seabed, Friends of the Earth plastics campaigner Julian Kirby said:

“It’s great that the bag levy appears to have cut plastic bags in our seas, but much tougher action is needed if we’re to turn the tide on the huge plastic pollution crisis - including micro-plastics - swamping our marine environment.

“Measures to encourage the recycling of single-use coffee cups and plastic bottles are certainly welcome – but ultimately the government must develop an urgent action plan to phase-out all but the safest and most essential plastics.”

ENDS