McInnes: End our plastic bag addiction

10.22.00am GMT Wed 12th Mar 2008

North East Scotland MSP Alison McInnes called upon policy makers, retailers and consumers to work together to wean Scotland off the plastic bag.

She said: "We still expect a plastic bag for free whenever we go shopping, and many of us end up with a stockpile under the kitchen sink."

A bill, being resubmitted today to the Scottish Parliament by Lib Dem Mike Pringle MSP, aims to curb unnecessary plastic bag use by placing a 10p levy on the bags.

Mrs McInnes said: "It is high time this common sense policy was implemented. Some retailers are charging for plastic bags, which is welcome, but as long as it is an optional extra we are sending 'take it or leave it' signals."

She continued: "It is right that the true social cost of plastic bag use is visible to the consumer. The 10p levy will be a reminder that there is an environmental cost and will encourage people to reuse their bags."