In spring 2002 plastic-bag litter was effectively killed off by a levy of 15 euro cents for every bag handed out. In five months, the use of plastic bags was slashed by more than 90 per cent.

The Irish environment ministry said that about 1.2 billion free plastic bags were being handed out every year in the Republic. It estimates that the “plastax” brings in €10 million (£6.7 million) a year, which is being spent on environmental projects.

In Britain the Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs estimates that consumers use 10 billion plastic bags a year — 167 per person. But 80 per cent of British consumers also recycle their plastic bags by reusing them.

British retailers spend £64 to £80 million a year on providing plastic bags to customers. Plastic bags account for 0.1 to 1 per cent of visible litter in the UK and 2 per cent of total litter on beaches.

Bangladesh has banned polythene bags altogether, while Taiwan and Singapore are taking steps to discourage their use.

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