How Green is your supermarket asks Norman

10.49.45am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 10th Mar 2004

Lewes MP Norman Baker with Brighton and Hove Liberal Democrat Green campaigner, Chris Anderson

Supermarket lorries travel the equivalent of two return trips to the moon everyday, according to Norman Baker, Liberal Democrat Shadow Environment Secretary and Lewes MP.

These new figures are released today in Mr Baker's comprehensive report, 'How Green is Your Supermarket?', setting out best practice and recommendations for supermarkets to improve their environmental performance.

The report is based on responses from the 'big nine' supermarket chains to questions from Mr Baker on packaging and waste, sourcing and energy use.

Key findings from the report include:

· There is now 1 supermarket per 10,000 people in Britain;

· The big nine chains cover an area equivalent to 15,000 football pitches;

· Customers spend up to £15 billion on food packaging every year;

· In 21 years, supermarkets will have provided their customers with enough plastic bags to cover the whole of England;

· Supermarket lorries travel 670 million miles per year.

Commenting, Mr Baker said:

Today customers are asking more from their supermarkets than 'pile 'em high and sell 'em cheap'. They want to know that these companies are taking a responsible attitude towards the environment.

On sourcing, energy use, and packaging, some supermarket chains are taking the lead, but that best practice needs to be shared.

The Government must take action to encourage supermarkets to establish national standards, and reach national targets.

Supermarkets are now a major part of our communities. With one supermarket for every 10,000 people, the big chains have a duty to provide environmentally-friendly alternatives, support local producers and the British organic industry, and commit to saving energy.