The Trust introduced charges for plastic bags in March to encourage customers to choose more environmentally friendly alternatives to carry home shopping from the Trust’s 49 retail outlets.

Since introducing the charges of five, ten and fifteen pence, the conservation charity says demand for plastic bags has decreased by over 80 per cent compared to the same period last year. In total, the Trust issued around 175,000 plastic bags in 2007.

The new approach has been successful in the last six months. As well as issuing fewer plastic bags, sales of sustainable jute and calico bags increased by more than 10 per cent.

The charity has long been aware of the issues around plastic bags – since 2003 its bags have been amongst the most environmentally friendly options available - totally non-toxic and biodegradable, breaking down within 18 months.

National Retail Manager for the Trust, Kevin McElroy said:

“As a conservation charity, we are very pleased with the results of our drive to encourage customers to ditch plastic bags and choose alternatives that are better for the environment. There has been a significant reduction in the number of Trust carrier bags being consigned to the rubbish heap, which is really good news.”