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Newham Council has set itself the ambitious target of cutting the number of plastic bags on East Ham High Street by 80%.

"It is a challenge, but if we all say 'no thanks' to plastic bags when it鈥檚 offered, it鈥檚 easily achievable," says East Ham Councillor Lakmini Shah.

Newham鈥檚 lead member for environment, Councillor Pat Sheekey, added: "Every plastic bag will outlive you or me as it can take up to 1,000 years to decompose."

Newham has one of the lowest recycling records in the country. In 2006 the borough came top in a list of the worst councils, with just over 6% of municipal waste recycled compared to a national average of 18%.

A big day for recycling

To mark 'No Plastic Bag Day', a range of activities are taking place on High Street North between 10am to 5pm to raise awareness of recycling and reusing bags.

Councillors will be encouraging businesses to sign up to a plastic bag-free pledge, and there will be a competition to win prizes including an eco-kettle and energy efficient light bulbs.

Recycling firm, Shanks, will also be hosting activities including bag painting, and a Green Bus will be at the St John鈥檚 Car Park, next to the Denmark Arms pub, with recycling information.

angela.saini@bbc.co.uk