As a nation we waste six billion plastic bags in 2006 - that amount would cover the capital.
Almost 50 per cent of all shoppers do not make use of their bags again - with one in 10 taking a bag for just a single item then chucking it away.
However the study of 2,400 individuals for Somerfield supermarket discovered Brits used those they kept as dog poo scoopers, bin liners, sick bags and briefcases.
The Scottish were the most environmentally friendly, with 70 per cent of then re-using bags on regular occasions.
Pete Williams of Somerfield is quoted as saying in the Mirror newspaper:"Being kind to the environment is vital and there is no excuse for not being efficient."