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Guernsey's Environment & Infrastructure Committee are being asked to "be bold" and bring in a ban on plastic carrier bags.
A petition started by Plastic Free Guernsey looking to have the bags banned has already garnered 6,300 signatures, and the charity is asking for E&I to listen.
The Committee had good news for the petitions already though, as its President, Deputy Barry Brehaut, said they were working up proposals to submit to the States in the future as they spoke.
The petition was handed to Deputy Brehaut today, along with a letter urging him to support the idea.
Mads Norman, Co-Vice-Chair of Plastic Free Guernsey, said: “As a small Island we have the potential to set a precedent and be leaders in the fight against unnecessary plastics. We are requesting a ban on all plastic carrier bags on Island, whether they be classed as single use, or ‘bags for life’ - we all know that the useful lifespan of these bags is anything but life.”
“We are not requesting a switch to stores providing paper or fabric bags, but a push to encourage Islanders to bring their own reusable bags. If we want to portray ourselves as an Island leading on sustainability, we need to change our habits accordingly.”
Pictured: Plastic bags often end up in the sea, and contribute toward plastic pollution.
Plastic Free Guernsey advised that although they are active within the community in terms of promoting and encouraging alternatives to single use plastic, this was their first step towards encouraging a change in legislation. The charity also confirmed that they believe a ban of this nature is in line with E&I’s purpose: To protect and enhance the natural and physical environment and develop infrastructure in ways which are balanced and sustainable in order that present and future generations can live in a community which is clean, vibrant and prosperous.
Deputy Brehaut agreed. He said: "The Committee have already agreed to work up proposals to submit to the States of Deliberation on this topic in the future. We are working closely with Guernsey Waste to put together these proposals but we are in the very early stages of the process.
“Preliminary advice has been received from our legal advisers in regards to the type of legislative arrangements that may be required to implement such a ban and there are different options that the Committee will need to consider.
“Through the development of the proposals the Committee, along with Guernsey Waste, will engage with local industry to discuss the options available.”
Pictured: Deputy Barry Brehaut received the petition this morning.
If Guernsey were to follow through with this idea, it would not be the first island in the world to do so. Many other small communities around the globe have already made banned things like plastic bags and plastic straws, and have seen a marked reduction in litter and pollution.
Richard Evans, Deputy Managing Director of States Trading Assets, said:
“As the proposals are developed, Guernsey Waste will continue conversations with retailers, to see what voluntary measures can be introduced to further reduce the provision of plastic carrier bags – both single use and other types.
“Although we don’t have a ban on carrier bags, it is important to remember that Guernsey was much further ahead of the UK when it came to introducing a charge for carrier bags more than ten years ago. Once this was implemented (on a voluntary basis by the main grocery retailers) a substantial reduction was noted.
"We would like there to be a consistent approach across the board, and so will consult with the local retail industry to discuss the possible options, both voluntary and through legislation.”
Pictured top: Deputy Barry Brehaut, President of E&I.
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