The facts are irrefutable. Discarded plastic bags are one of the biggest environmental pollutants world-wide – and the problem is getting worse at an alarming rate.

The blame for much of this has been placed at the doors of retailers, especially the major supermarkets, for whom free bags has always been a key part of their marketing strategy.

Thankfully, though, the message is starting to get through at last that things have to change.

And it's the growing public awareness of the issues and the resulting consumer pressure that's playing a major part in forcing the issue. The days of the plastic carrier bag are well and truly numbered.

We would urge readers of this newspaper who have not taken the decision already to switch to one of the 'green' alternatives to give it serious thought.

Last week, we carried a message of support for this stance from no lesser person than the Prime Minister. And this coming Saturday, Mansfield will get its very own eco bag, 'a bag for life' that will be sold on a not-for-profit basis, with the council subsidising the full production costs.

Few decisions we make are genuinely 'life-changing'. Making a personal pledge to 'bin the plastic' – and sticking to it – is one we believe passionately is a notable exception.