When it was announced last year that supermarkets in England would be required by law to charge 5p for all single-use plastic carrier bags, the initiative was largely welcomed. "What a good idea," we all said. "Saving the environment and making big businesses responsible. Fantastic!"But what happens when you accidentally turn up in Aldi with a glaringly conspicuous Waitrose bag? Or find yourself in Iceland with a party pack of 72 frozen sausage rolls and only an M&S Food bag to transport it all home with?With the desperation of David Cameron trying to come up with the name of an Aston Villa striker, you frantically stuff your value tea bags and kettle chips into the bag of shame. It's my housemate who shops in Waitrose, you plead with your eyes. Not me, I swear!Maybe saving the environment from the scourge of non-biodegradable materials isn't such a pressing issue, after all.
Illustration by Dale Crosby-Close.