Edinburgh: Marks and Spencer have been praised by Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead for their policy in reducing the number of single use plastic bags used by their customers.
Starting yesterday, Marks and Spencer are charging 5 pence for every single use carrier bag with the profits going to environmental charities.
Mr Lochhead said:
"This is an excellent example of how a retailer can help cut down the number of single use carrier bags by its customers and I congratulate Marks and Spencer on their forward thinking. It is very encouraging to see a major retailer adopting measures to protect Scotland's environment.
The Minister considers that reducing the unnecessary use of plastic bags is crucial if a zero waste society is to be achieved in Scotland.
A recent survey showed that some progress has been made but more needs to be done as Scotland used over 1 billion bags last year.
Based on data from 19 UK retailers 12.4 billion bags were used in the UK in 2007. This is down from 13.4 billion bags in 2006 - a 7.72 percent drop, once rounding is taken into account.
The virgin polymer used was 93,000 tonnes in 2007 down from 108,000 tonnes in 2006 - a 14.3 percent drop, once rounding is taken into account.
Mr Lochead continued:
"I welcome any action by retailers to reduce waste from plastic bags. Charging for bags and giving a reward to customers when they return bags are two ways of doing this.
"There is also a key role for consumers to play as well. One of the 10 Greener Pledges we launched in January is to reuse carrier bags.
If the voluntary agreement doesn't produce results then the Scottish Government intends to consider what further action could be taken, including considering legislation.