to think retailers have some responsibity?

In answer to your OP, Jane10, I do think retailers have a responsibility to the environment as well as to their customers and the charge for plastic bags is a big step forward. Their usage has been reduced by (I think) 79% in Wales since 2011, and it is now second nature to take a bag or two folded up in my handbag, and to always take the hessian bags out of the boot when food shopping.

They also need to reduce the amount of packaging on food items as well.

If I don't have a biodegradable plastic supermarket bag to put my rubbish in [which is what I do most of the time] I'll use a plastic bin bag [which isn't biodegradable?].

the Queen mentioned it in her speech

ps you still have to pay for the bags, though!

Oh no, I thought it was such a good idea when I was in Australia last year, but looks as if they have caved in unfortunately:

theconversation.com/targets-plastic-bag-backdown-a-loss-for-the-silent-majority-18794

I don't know Jane10, in Australia your clothes will be put into one of those bags made out of potato starch in one well-known chain - the type of bag you get to put your food waste in only much larger.

A manufacturer of biodegradable bags was on the news tonight and pointed out that we still use plastic bin liners etc.

Why don't shops use biodegradable bags?

Not everyone does that, Soutra and jane.

(As evidenced by the many trees and hedgerows you see decorated with flimsy supermarket bags these days.)

Quite, Soutra. I always take loads of bags with me to the supermarket if I'm going for a planned shop, and I always have a couple of nylon fold-up bags in my handbag for small impulse purchases.

But I think it's taking it a bit far to charge for wrapping clothing, particularly in paper or card carriers that are easily recycled.

How is it "ungreen" to take a carrier bag, recycle it by using it to line a wastepaper bin multiple times and ultimately use it to take clothes or books to the charity shop - as a for instance?

Funny how everyone's 'green' proclivities go out of the window when personal convenience is threatened!

How annoying! What if you buy say a couple of wine glasses in John Lewis, and they wrap them up in 3 or 4 bags each to protect them from damage. Do you get charged for each individual bag or box?

If I was buying a new dress or sweater I'd certainly expect it to be at least wrapped in tissue paper, before shoving it in my shopping bag.

The new law came into effect this morning. All retailers who offer plastic carrier bags now have to charge for them. Crow I didn't realise that they also have to charge for paper bags, that seems a bit much. I put paper in the compost bin and it decomposes nicely.
I remember the time when my mother sent me shopping and I had to take her shopping bag with me. I started shopping for her age 7 after my youngest sister was born. Mum's bag was nearly as big as me!

Prescription items in chemists are exempt, apparently, but not other purchases.

I was in M and S this morning and the assistant told me it also applies to paper bags. I bought two shirts but fortunately had a clean bag with me.

It's only 5p.

At least M&S bags are easy to fold up and keep for future use.

I actually collect bags; I find some of them so lovely I can't bear to throw them away.In fact I have a framed Selectadisc bag as it was an iconic record shop in Nottingham and it's passing was much lamented by the locals .

This is very petty-minded, but if we have to pay for the bag that clothes are put in then we could ask for the bag to be turned inside out so there's no free advertising!

It' something that had not occurred to me.
I would want a clean bag for putting clothes etc. As others say it shows you have not stolen it.

Food is either packeted tinned or washable.

The firm will be fined for non-compliance if they give away bags and don't charge for them, if it is the same legislation as it is in Wales

www.carrierbagchargewales.gov.uk/retailers/faq/enforcement/?lang=en
As a customer, I am supposed to report the nice lady in the wool shop who 'gave' me a bag to put all my purchased balls of yarn into. Instead I gave her the 5p to put in a charity box.

The concept is good but sometimes the practice can tend to the ridiculous.

They're shooting themselves in the foot by doing that as, when you walk around with a bag after you've purchased something it's free advertising for the shop.

Having to pay for carrier bags is now the case in Scotland as from today.

I've never heard of this in M & S - I think I would check that one with HQ! I certainly would not buy clothes from any store who did not put them in a bag after all they have included packaging in their costings. I accept it with food and usually have a jute bag or fold up bag with me as I accept the argument re the environment and wasteage etc etc. What I wont do is pay postage for items from stores which are wholly on line as again this has all been included in their financial modelling. If I need to order from a store I try to have it delivered to a local branch or order only when they have a free p & p offer.

wales.gov.uk/topics/environmentcountryside/epq/waste_recycling/substance/carrierbags/?lang=en

It's been the norm in Wales for quite a long time.
If I go to England the clothes are usually still put in a bag in M&S although the food isn't.
We just have to remember to take a nice clean bag with us (or buy online).
Stores are supposed to give the 5p for one-use bags to charity, but I wonder if all of them do.

I bought 4 bras online for my mum from M&S. The box was 3' x 2'