From this week, shoppers in the Republic of Ireland will face a tax of 15 cents (US$0.13) on each plastic bag that they use.

The charge has been imposed by the government in an attempt to reduce the amount of plastic waste and cut the environmental impact of discarded plastic bags. The initiative is aimed at encouraging customers to re-use their carrier bags.

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It is estimated that about one billion bags are handed out each year, and the tax could raise €180m. The cash raised will go towards schemes aimed at improving the Irish environment nationwide.

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