Convenient, waterproof and light, the ubiquitous plastic bag is given out freely at most retail shops. As a result, 2.6 billion plastic bags are thrown away every year in Singapore. A proportion ends up as litter in the city area, in parks, on the beach and in the drains. Not all plastic bags are used to bag refuse. To address this waste problem, the National Environment Agency worked with the SEC to start Bring Your Own Bag Day. On this day, customers are encouraged to carry reusable bags rather than take plastic bags. From June 2008, the monthly programme will now become a weekly affair.