Shoppers in Scotland are being reminded to carry their re-usable bags for the final weekend of Christmas shopping after the introduction of the carrier bag charge in the country.
According to the Scottish Government's carrier bag charge regulation which was implemented on 20 October 2014, all retailers will be required to charge a minimum of 5p for every single-use carrier bag to be distributed.
All retailers are being encouraged to join a cause by Zero Waste Scotland wherein retailers will donate the proceeds of the carrier bag charge to some good cause.
Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said: "I would urge everyone to reuse their bags when they head to the shops - not just this weekend, but every day.
"In the two months since the charge was introduced I am delighted to hear that major retailers are already reporting a reduction of up to 90% in the distribution of single use carrier bags. Long may that trend continue."
Signatories including Morrisons, Boots and Holland and Barrett have signed up for the Carrier Bag Commitment whose chosen charities are seeing a festive bonus this Christmas as a result of proceeds from bag sales.
Zero Waste Scotland CEO Iain Gulland said: "On one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year, I hope that shoppers will remember to bring their re-usable bags with them, saving money and reducing the number of bags in circulation. Since the regulations launched two months ago we've had positive feedback from both retailers and shoppers, and I hope to see that continue.
"We've also had over 250 retailers register an interest in our Carrier Bag Commitment, agreeing to give the net proceeds from the charge to good causes. That means charities will be enjoying a festive bonus this year, even as we cut the number of single-use bags given out, many of which end up as litter in our communities."
