Government packaging strategy 'a step in the right direction'

The government's new packaging strategy has been welcomed by environmental organisation Waste Watch.

Launched earlier this week, the plans aim to boost recycling and clamp down on manufacturers that use excessive amounts of packaging.

A spokesperson for the boy commented: "It's been a long time in coming, but it's great that it's here. It's actually quite a multi-faceted issue. It's great [that] there is a packing policy and we're very happy that something has been produced."

However, he added that the success of the scheme will depend on how well it is implemented.

According to figures from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the amount of household waste being generated per person increased by 0.9 per cent between 2003 and 2008.

However, recycling and composting levels have also risen, with 34.5 per cent of household waste in 2007-8 being disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.

Written by Lauren Steadman