The number of plastic bags found on UK beaches has dropped by 80% in a decade, thanks to a mandatory fee on single-use bags. In short:The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) reported an 80% reduction in plastic bags on UK beaches since the fee introduction. MCS's 2023 survey showed a drop from five plastic bags per 100 meters in 2014 to one in 2023. Key quote:"It is brilliant to see policies on single-use plastics such as carrier bags working." Successful policies on plastic bags can inspire further measures to tackle other single-use plastics.
