Despite the plastic bag charge, it is estimated we dole out around three billion single-use bags every single year. Here is a brief summary of the response to the directive, from some of our fellow European countries, to see who is setting the best example in the fight against plastic.

It is estimated 30.4% of the waste found on UK beaches comes from the public. We have put our heads together to come up with some of the top ways to reduce plastic usage.