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Northern Ireland Environment Minister,
Edwin Poots has issued a call for everyone to reduce the amount
of single-use carrier bags that are used each year.
The Minister was speaking following the announcement of the
2010
results of the UK Voluntary Carrier Bag Agreement
with the British Retail Consortium (BRC).
The 2009/2010 figures for Northern Ireland show a 9% reduction
in single-use bags over the previous year. This equates to
19 million bags less in circulation in comparison to 2008/2009.
This was achieved against a sales volume growth period in
Northern Ireland of more than three times the UK average in
recent years.
The Minister, however, warned against complacency and pointed
out that there is much more to be done. He said - “I am encouraged
that the major supermarket retailers and their customers continue
to reduce single-use carrier bag consumption.
“As a result of their actions, there are 19 million less
single-use carrier bags in circulation in Northern Ireland
than there was last year. That is 19 million less bags that
could potentially end up in landfill.
“Taking reusable bags shopping is a very simple - yet effective
- way for everyone to play their part in helping to prevent
waste. I encourage everyone to lose a bad habit and instead
'Get a bag habit' by reusing plastic bags or switching
to other reusable bags."
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