Consume your ethics

In the UK alone, more than 17 billion plastic carrier bags are used and subsequently thrown away every year. Globally, we're talking about at least 500 billion bags. Considering that supermarkets like Tesco and Marks & Spencer happily continue to give them away for free, we shouldn't be surprised by the size of Britain's carbon footprint. From a rather cynical point of view, I'd say that you can't even blame the people for taking them. Why would anyone want to be ecologically aware and spend 10p on a reusable Tesco Bag for Life, when you could pick up a free bag instead? They are supposedly degradable now, so why would people feel guilty using them? Why would they bother to bring their own bags when it's so much easier just to grab a new one every time they are at the store? Let's face it, people are lazy, and even though they might have the famous I'm not a plastic bag at home, which they tote around proudly every now and then, I highly doubt it accompanies them every single time they go shopping.

I'm not saying this because I'm ignorant or indifferent, I'm trying to be realistic and I just can't see everybody becoming ecologically aware when it's an optional lifestyle. People don't like to change, so they need help. Make us remember to bring our own bags, make us pay if we forget them. Ban free carrier bags - other countries like Australia and China have done it already, so why can't the UK do the same?



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