'Can you imagine the impact of banning the use of plastic bags in supermarkets?

' So ran a recent column in a

popular national newspaper. 'We have all heard so much about the benefits of a plastic-free environment – to
avoid plastic pollution on our beaches, to preserve our wildlife, to reduce greenhouse gases. But such a ban
would have a greater impact than all these.' 'In the UK,' continued the writer, whose name I will not reveal, 'a
poll last year found that 84% of people agreed that governments should act to limit the use of plastic bags. In
fact, 81% of people in the UK do not regularly use plastic bags. Their use has fallen significantly since a 5p
charge was added to their purchase. In addition, a number of supermarkets have recently stopped using them.'
'But such a ban would have a bigger impact in developing countries, where plastic bags are a major part of daily
life.' 'Plastic is used in many ways around the world, from packaging to clothing. But it is worth remembering
that plastic is only created from the natural gas known as methane – the same gas that comes from our own
normal practices! We live in a world where plastic bags are used for everything from carrier bags to picnic bags,
from toilet-seat covers to fishing wares. Many of us also eat food that is wrapped in plastic. We eat plastic
containers that keep food fresh and free from bugs. We use plastic bottles to bring water home.' 'But what we
need to understand is that we are now producing more plastic than we can ever use. The chemicals involved in
the production of plastic destroy rainforests and damage the planet – especially the climate. If you wanted to be
environmentally friendly today, you would have to cut out plastic entirely.' 'Every minute, 300,000 single-use
plastic bags are used around the world. The UK's 'Supermarkets Against Plastic Bags' campaign suggests
shoppers are using approximately 730 bags a year. They are distributed by supermarkets in a way our ancestors
could not have imagined.' 'In total, 1.5 million tonnes of plastic waste is dumped into the oceans every year
from coastal regions, at the rate of 5 bags every second. Currently, there are 5 main gyres of plastic in the world
– all in the world's seas.' 'And plastics are not only a problem on land. Waves, winds and tides all play a role in
the dispersal of plastics across the continents.' 'There is only one way to cut down on plastic waste – and that is
to stop using it. To stop using items that are made from plastic or come packaged in it. To stop buying things
that have plastic in them.