Killer Bags Still Threaten the Environment.
An estimated 10.6 Billion single-use bags will be given out before the government implements new single-use bag legislation in 2015.
A shocking 10.6 billion single-use bags will be handed out at shops in England before the bag charge comes into force on 1st October 2015. The average person in England uses 133 bags per year. In an effort to offset the environmental impacts from this unnecessary delay in implementing the bag charge the Break The Bag Habit coalition are launching new website to encourage supporters to pledge to stop using single-use bags. www.breakthebaghabit.org.uk
The new Break The Bag Habit pledge website is supported by the internationally acclaimed photographer Martin Brent with a bespoke series of stunning, yet shocking images entitled "Killer Bags". These images feature actual single-use plastic bags Martin was confronted with whilst diving. The Break The Bag Habit coalition is also urging supermarkets to adopt the charge as soon as possible. Make your pledge today at
Supporters making the pledge to stop accepting single-use bags will learn how many bags they have personally offset and their pledge will be added to a grand total, highlighting the number of bags prevented from entering the environment or waste streams nationally before the bag charge comes into effect on the 1st October, 2015.
Supporters making the Break The Bag Habit pledge are also invited to share these striking images, and other impactful countryside and coastal scenes spoilt with single-use bags across their networks to generate more pledges. There’s also the option to share these images on the Facebook walls and twitter accounts of the UK’s supermarkets and shops, calling on these businesses to adopt the bag charge early, reducing the amount of bags entering the environment.
Andy Cummins, spokesperson for the Break the Bag Habit campaign, says:
"There will be a disgusting amount of single-use bags given out before the bag charge is introduced in England, 10.6 billion of them! Break The Bag Habit campaigners are calling on the public to act now and take the pledge to stop using single-use bags without delay at
We call on retailers to listen to their customers and voluntarily introduce the charge in October across their stores. With 7 billion bags being used every annually, there’s certainly no reason to delay it for 18 months."
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For all press enquiries please contact SAS Campaign Director Andy Cummins on 01872 555 950 or 07711 767 548 or email
Notes to editors:
*The 10.6 billion bags figure comes from the 2013 WRAP bag figures for England.
http://www.wrap.org.uk/content/wrap-publishes-new-figures-carrier-bag-use
The Killer Bags images attached are medium res. Hi res images are available from Andy Cummins at 07872 555 950 or 07711 767 548 or email
The Break The Bag Habit pledge website has been developed by Surfers Against Sewage (SAS). The "killer Bags" images were donated to SAS by internationally acclaimed photographer Martin Brent. More information about Martin Brent, the Killer Bags images and his achievements in photography can be found below.
Surfers Against Sewage (SAS)
is an environmental charity protecting the UK’s oceans, waves and beaches for all to enjoy safely and sustainably, via community action, campaigning, volunteering, conservation, education and scientific research. Founded in 1990
The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE)
fights for a better future for the English countryside. We work locally and nationally to protect, shape and enhance a beautiful, thriving countryside for everyone to value and enjoy. Our members are united in their love for England’s landscapes and rural communities, and stand up for the countryside, so it can continue to sustain, enchant and inspire future generations. Founded in 1926, President: Sir Andrew Motion, Patron: Her Majesty The Queen.
Keep Britain Tidy
is the anti-litter charity for England. We are passionate about cleaner greener places and run the Love Where You Live campaign, Eco-Schools, Green Flag Award for parks (in partnership with BTVC and GreenSpace), and Blue Flag/Quality Coast Awards for beaches. TV presenter Kirstie Allsopp is our ambassador. To find out more about us and to become a supporter visit
The Marine Conservation Society (MCS)
is the UK charity dedicated to the protection of our seas, shores and wildlife. MCS campaigns for clean seas and beaches, sustainable fisheries, and protection of marine life. Through education, community involvement and collaboration, MCS raises awareness of the many threats that face our seas and promotes individual, industry and government action to protect the marine environment.
Thames21
is the voice for London’s waterways, working with communities to improve rivers and canals for people and wildlife. Last year alone, the charity mobilised over 15,000 volunteers to clean and green the capital’s 400 mile network of waterways, and we are always looking for more!
Greener Upon Thames
is a London based grass roots organisation campaigning locally, regionally and nationally to dramatically reduce use of disposable carrier bags. In November 2010 Greener launched its successful London 2012 campaign, backed by its Patrons Zac Goldsmith MP and ocean rower Roz Savage. The campaign to ban single use plastic bags at the Games was supported by global and local leaders, including Sir David Attenborough, Dame Vivienne Westwood, Jeff Bridges and thousands worldwide.
Martin Brent
is an internationally acclaimed photographer, passionate water user and Surfers Against Sewage supporter. Martin captured these images whilst diving at around 60 feet. Had Martin decided to fake them he could have made them ‘better’ but as it stands very little if anything has been done to alter their shape. Obviously a little drama and the teeth have been added in post-production which came about with the collaboration with Art Director Stuart Jackson and Copywriter Gareth Hopkins.
Martin Brent is an advertising photographer working out of London. Awarded Sony World Advertising Awards- Advertising Photographer Of The Year and also having been a Lucies and PDN Annual Winner he is also proud to have been a D&AD Judge and also a past President of The Association of Photographers.
Martin positively welcomes ‘difficult’ locations and conditions, shooting on and underwater. Commissions have taken him worldwide on dry land and out in the oceans.
Martin has shot for Manchester United, England Rugby, Aston Villa FC, Adidas, Landrover, Swiss, Aga, HSBC, Virgin, Network Rail, Sony Ericsson, Garmin and Harley Davidson to name a few.
Martins work can be viewed at
www.martinbrent.com and can be contacted through his agent Clare Fletcher www.clarefletcherrepresents.com