8 ways to avoid forking out 5p for your plastic bag

As shoppers across England face a new 5p charge for single-use plastic bags at the checkout, here's eight ways you can still get one for free.

1. Buy a goldfish.

If you buy a fish or another aquatic creature in water then you won't have to pay for a bag.

They make great pets too.

2. Make sure you are getting your five a day.

If food – like fruit and veg – is unwrapped or partly unwrapped you will still get a bag for free.

3. And the same goes for raw meat and fish.

So pop some in your basket and you'll be up 5p. Winning.

Wise words.

4. Get an axe.

The handy tool qualifies for a free bag, alongside unpackaged knives, knife blades and razor blades.

And you can use it to make a wooden crate to transport your supermarket goods. Clever.

5. Unearth your inner gardener.

Got green fingers? You are in luck.

Loose seeds, bulbs and flowers will come with a free bag.

6. Go to the doctor.

Can't sleep thinking about the plastic bag charge? Arms hurt from trying to manage your shopping without a bag? Get yourself an appointment.

Prescription medicines will come in a free carrier bag.

7. Take a detour.

You don't have to pay for plastic bags in airports, on trains, or on ships.

So why not take a trip to Heathrow or nip over to the Isle of Wight on the ferry and stock up?

8. Or maybe just buy a bag for life.

It's the way forward.

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