Asda plans charges for carrier bags
Local supermarket, Asda, will be forced to impose a 10p charge for carrier bags if use is not cut by 50% this year.
The store’s decision comes as a result of the governments “bag levy” and will be slowly implemented throughout all UK stores if the 50% cut is not achieved. Notices are being displayed around the stores at the moment to give customers as much notice as possible.
The notices explain “By May, we must reduce our carrier bag use by 50% or the government will impose a bag levy (10p per bag) on customers” (see photos)
The announcement may come as a shock to some, after Asda’s commitment last year to reduce the number of carrier bags used in their stores – without hitting their customer’s wallets. Commenting:
“When it comes to carrier bags, we’re trying to change the habit of a lifetime – but not at our customers’ expense. Instead of supporting the so called ‘green levy’ proposed by the Government, we want to incentivise customers who choose a re-usable bag.
We have already led the way with a nationwide removal of single use carriers from all of our checkouts, encouraging customers to choose one of our ‘bags for life’ as a sustainable and affordable alternative.” Media Centre
Although the governmental decision to charge for bags may contradict previous statements from Asda, the local supermarket still strives to be as sustainable and eco-friendly as possible. Offering other incentives, such as the Go Green for Schools campaign, the stores have maintained an active role in their communities.
The Perry Barr store provides a carrier bag collection point and continues to restrict the number of bags given to each customer.
Setting an outstanding example, the supermarket plans to cut its carbon emissions by 40% before the end of 2009 and was one of the first retailers to switch to rail transportation. Commenting
“Rail is a better alternative to road freight because it can be shared by several retailers or suppliers, helping to maximise each journey. In fact, each of our trains already saves 26 return truck journeys for each run that it makes.
“Our recently opened rail route from Tilbury to Normanton has helped us remove half a million road miles off our total each year.” Media Centre
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Georgie Campbell says:
Argh.. theres always more..
Since posting, I’ve found the Daily Mails “Bannish the Bags” campaign… http://bit.ly/fNsho
Look at the photos.. its terrible!
Mar. 5 at 6:31 pmPhil Gordon says:
Good article Georgie. Those pictures are awful :( I hoard carrier bags for no apparent reason like my mum – so think I’ll just take a load whenever I plan a shop now
Mar. 5 at 7:58 pmKasper Sorensen says:
This is interesting and I’m looking forward to see how it goes down.
For as long as as I can remember, we have charged around 30 pence a bag in Denmark. I should say though, that these bags are more robust and won’t break when you get out of the store. Most people reuse them, but I have to say that many still just buy new ones every time, so I don’t know how effective it is.
Why not get rid off them and just sell the ‘bags for life’?
Mar. 5 at 8:02 pmNatalie Adcock says:
The pictures on the Daily Mail’s website are really upsetting.
Interesting comparison to Denmark too Kasper, I wonder what the different countries stance on this are and who’s ideas are most effective.
Mar. 5 at 8:09 pmGeorgie Campbell says:
That is exactly what I asked the woman at the checkout but she just shrugged…
I can’t imagine people would pay 10p for the bags given away at the moment, so there must be a link to the bag for life.. but I will have a look.
As this module goes on, its becoming increaingly apparent that the UK is a lot further behind than some European countries and the States..
Perhaps thats always been the case??
Mar. 5 at 8:10 pmGeorgie Campbell says:
Phil I hope you’re not talking about my Asda bag photo! lol It’s not that bad! **Jokes**
Had to join Flickr and everything…
The pics on the campaign are nasty tho.. especially the turtoise :(
Mar. 5 at 8:12 pmGeorgie Campbell says:
After the follow up from Asda on this story I did a bit more digging in the carrier bag market..
What did I find? More UK stores that are reportedly introducing the charges…it would seem Asda are not alone.
Although not reaching as high at 10p per bag, the popular and somewhat “upper class” M & S supermarket appears to be holding nothing back when introducing the charges.
Visit http://bit.ly/ETrBw for the full story.
Mar. 12 at 9:55 pmGeorgie Campbell says:
Ooo forgot to link. Check out http://bit.ly/PEhdf for Asda’s reply to my article.
Mar. 12 at 9:56 pmPodcast Episode 1: Waste & Recycling : Birmingham Recycled says:
[...] local Asda store advertised that they might start to charge for carrier bags. Some stores are already taking these measures, Alice asks whether it’s a good idea or [...]
Mar. 30 at 8:11 pm