B&Q Bishopbriggs - new scheme to reduce plastic bag litter welcomed by Jo

5.12.00pm GMT Mon 1st Nov 2004

Jo Swinson: Plastic bag levy welcomed as a way to reduce litter

Jo Swinson has welcomed the introduction of a small charge for plastic bags at the B&Q store in Bishopbriggs and across Scotland. The scheme was launched by B&Q on Thursday (28th October). Proceeds from the 5p charge per bag will be given to Keep Scotland Beautiful.

Speaking about the new scheme local Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesperson Jo Swinson said:

"I welcome this environmental measure from B&Q and very much hope that other retailers follow suit. It should help reduce some of the 7 million bags handed out from B&Q stores in Bishopbriggs and across the UK. These bags often go straight into the bin the second they're at home. Plastic bags litter the environment, pollute our seas and cause deaths of turtles, birds and other animals as a result. It takes them between 30-100 years to decompose in landfill sites.

"This measure is good for shops as it can reduce the cost of bags for them, it's good for consumers who pay indirectly for the cost of landfilling and clearing up the waste and it is good for the environment."

Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP Mike Pringle lodged a proposal for a private members bill introducing a plastic bag levy in Scotland in October 2003. It received the support of 32 MSPs from Labour, Liberal Democrats, Conservatives, SNP and Green parties. The statutory consultation period ended in May 2004 and the bill will be introduced to the parliament next year.