What you have not been told about
the Irish bag tax

One major high street retailer reports that where previously they sent just four pallets of plastic carriers to Ireland every week, they are now sending four 40ft containers of alternative bags which need wrapping in large amounts of plastic to keep them dry.

Is this good for the environment?

Another UK top retail chain reports that Paper bags have meant increased transport and storage costs. Also there is a higher incidence of "double bagging" (people using two bags instead of one) for strength. In total, more bags are being used since the switch (to paper)

Is this good for the environment?

Reports from sources in Ireland reveal an increase in the theft of wire and plastic baskets from stores because on the non-availability of plastic carriers. This is costing each Irish grocery outlet, on average, 5,400 Euros per annum.

Where do these end up and at what cost to the environment?

Other reports suggest that faced with the carrier bag tax some shoppers prefer to wrap goods in their clothing!

Does this generate funds for the environment and will it also mean increase theft from shops?

If the real reason for an Irish Bag tax was to reduce litter,
Where is a single independent study which has proved the tax successful in this objective? The Encams (Keep Britain Tidy Group) survey LEQSE 30 September 2002 reports that, "in essence, better management, not more money, would often improve standards. The significant components of litter that are hazardous to health - notably dog fouling (which comprises 8% of litter in recreation areas) and broken glass (mainly from drinks bottles), are of particular concern. The most widespread source of commercial litter nation-wide is elastic bands dropped by postal delivery workers."

If the reason for the Irish tax is to minimise waste,
Where is the independent evidence to prove there is less waste in Irish dustbins than before the tax?

BEFORE ANY COUNTRY INTRODUCES A CARRIER BAG TAX WE SHOULD ALL THINK HARD ABOUT WHAT HAPPENS WHEN IT IS PROVED TO BE INEFFECTIVE.