Why do supermarket bags tear? (From Bucks Free Press)

Why do supermarket bags tear?

1:06pm Friday 3rd July 2009 in

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HAVING just seen on the ceefax today that Wales may raise the charge for plastic carrier bags to 15p, I was prompted to write about the strength of those at supermarkets.

I used to recycle ordinary carrier bags for all purposes; taking them on a day’s outing for rubbish, light papers, spare clothes etc.

However, I expected that the green ones would be too strong and good to use. I was sadly disappointed to find that they are very weak, often splitting before the shopping is unloaded, and they tear if awkward items are placed in them.

Yes, you can take them back, but does the average consumer merely return to the shop without buying more goods? I think it is a ploy on the supermarkets’ behalf to make us shop more – and it cannot help the environment if everyone has to keep shopping.

Am I the only one this happens to?

Lynne A Pearce (Mrs), Harman Walk, High Wycombe