Farron praises recycling efforts of South Lakeland residents over efforts to cut number of plastic bags

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 20th Jul 2009

Local MP Tim Farron has praised the recycling efforts of South Lakeland residents after the consumption of supermarket plastic carrier bags halved in number

In May 2006, 718m bags were being given out but by May 2009 this had almost halved to 372m, which amounts to a reduction of 48%. Last year seven supermarkets signed up to the voluntary scheme which aimed for a 50% cut in bags given out compared to figures recorded for 2006

The average South Lakeland home uses 323 plastic bags every year with each bag taking up to 500 years to decay when sent to landfill. Mr Farron believes the decline in the number of plastic bags given away shows the importance of the consumer and their ability to influence supermarkets and retailers alike.

Commenting Mr Farron said:

"This is a fantastic achievement that just goes to show the importance of the customer and how their efforts can convince even the biggest supermarkets to change their bag habits."

"Plastic bags harm the environment and can endanger wildlife due to the length of time it takes for them to decompose.

"Thanks to efforts of consumers and retailers in South Lakeland, millions fewer carrier bags will be sent to landfill every month, which is great news for our local environment."