I had a very inconvenient fight delay in Britain last year and I relied on the Marks & Spencer as a source of good food during my time at the airport. They have a lot of organic and fair trade products. It’s good to hear that they are taking the important step of charging for plastic bags. 5p should be enough of a disincentive for many shoppers who are just grabbing an item or two. It will also help get regular shoppers into the habit of bring cloth bags with them.

Shoppers who might be turned off by the idea are being bribed with a free M&S Bag for Life with each food transaction during three weeks leading up to the implementation.