Lib Dems want a "Plastic Bag Free" borough

Epsom's Lib Dem group of councillors have put a Motion to the council meeting on 19th February which calls for support to retailers, businesses and commercial manufacturers to eliminate excessive packaging, in particular the widespread use of plastic bags.

A plastic bag can take between 400 and 1000 years to break down and rot away. In Britain at least 200 million bags end up as waste on beaches, streets and parks every year. European waste directives require the UK to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill by more than half by 2013 and to around a quarter of the current level by 2020. From June 1st, China will go bag free and potentially save 37 million barrels of oil as well as set an example to the world.

The Lib Dem request to council also asks that recognition and support be given to the local Waste & Recycling Action Group and the work they have been doing in this area.

Full debate on the subject will take place at a future committee meeting and dates will be posted on this website.