Throwaway culture continues to blight countryside, says CPRE

Commenting on new government data on the sale of plastic bag carriers, Tom Fyans, campaigns and a policy director at CPRE, the countryside charity, said:

‘As one of the organisations that long campaigned for a carrier bag charge to be introduced, we are pleased to see it having the desired effect. But we can't stop there. Our throwaway culture persists, with the litter newcomers of gloves and face masks adding to the waste that blights the countryside and harms wildlife.

‘The government has little reason to pat itself on the back for tackling plastic pollution. We continue to lag behind many other countries in terms of tackling both plastic pollution and waste, which is no surprise when you consider that simple plans to extend the carrier bag charge have been put on hold for almost two years.

‘If we are to have any chance of living up to the government’s ambition of being world leaders in this field, we need charges on all single-use, throwaway items - from takeaway cups to wooden forks. Incentivising reuse systems and finally committing to an all-in Deposit Return Scheme for drinks containers are the only ways the government can achieve a litter-free countryside and win the fight against plastic pollution.’