ASDA part of the Wal-Mart family

Some interesting things you never knew about carrier bags

There is generally little incentive to recycle or reuse, as new carrier bags are supplied without charge - although some bags are reused as rubbish bags, the overwhelming majority are discarded.

That is why ASDA is making reducing carrier bag usage easier, by offering our customers the opportunity to recycle or reuse and benefit their local communities in doing so!

So next time you're doing your shopping, pick up a Bag For Life or Jute Bag and reduce your impact on the environment!

Did you know?

1% of visible litter in the UK is made up of carrier bags
2% of the total litter on our beaches are carrier bags
0.3% of the domestic waste stream is generated by carrier bags
94% of UK understands the need to recycle - but still 6 billion bags are wasted each year, which is enough to plaster London!

1 in 10 people accept a carrier bag for an item they will consume straight away!
16 is the average number of bags a UK family have in their household at any time!
19% of the UK population insist on a new bag every time they shop and over 40% have more than 40 bags stored in their house right now!

How Do Other Countries Compare?

Australia - shoppers can buy a reusable 'Green Bag' which are insulated for carrying hot and cold items!

France - consumers have been forced to buy reusable plastic or non-woven bags from supermarkets.

Ireland - a 15% levy was introduced on every plastic shopping bag in 2002, cutting plastic bag use by 95%!

Germany - shoppers are charged 5 - 10 cents for every new single bag used.

South Africa - bags have been nicknamed "the national flower" and consumers are charged for each bag they use. They are made from a set thickness which has increased their cost, but made them reusable and recyclable.

United States - empty bags carried on the wind are known as 'urban tumble weed' and consumers are encouraged to use paper bags.

Winning Designs: We had thousands of entries but could pick only two winners. You've seen the designs but who were the designers?; Find out more