How can we encourage change...


The last 6mths have seen a marked sea change in attitudes towards single use plastic bags:

• It has moved firmly from the environmental lobby to the mainstream arena driven by the Daily Mail campaign
• Major retailers are announcing charging strategies
• It is now on the political agenda, with the Government announcing the introduction of a tax if action isn’t taken in 12 mths.
• Over 100 towns throughout the UK are aiming to become plastic bag free with more joining them every day.

But we are still well behind other countries:

• Ireland first introduced a plastic bag tax in 2002 and has seen usage fall by 90%
• In France last year the major supermarkets imposed a voluntary ban on free plastic bags and charge for re-usable bags. The French Government will impose a full ban by 2010
• Even China is imposing a ban from June.

You can act now:

• Remember to keep a few Go Green Bags in your car, so you always have a bag to hand.
• Encourage your local shops to ditch the thin bags. They can carry recyclable bags to sell to those who forget to bring their own. This could be their own logo bag or a central town bag (which would keep costs down for small retailers)
• If you are involved with a school, design a bag for your Eco project (and you can use it to raise funds at the same time - a double bonus).
• Involve your Local Council –we have designed bags for Libraries, Healthy food campaigns and conferences for local authorities.
• Gather together a group of like minded people and start an active campaign.

Engage your Town

• Test the water – set up a stall in a public area, explain the facts and show the alternative bags that can be used. Gather names of those interested in supporting your campaign
• Encourage your local newspaper to take an interest.
• Involve your local councillors
• Visit each retailer (a lot of legwork needed here) and discuss their thoughts and concerns. Find out what they are using now, how much stock they have left and their willingness to change over.
• Enlist the help of the local business association, chamber of commerce etc. Gives added support to your voice.
• Decide on a town bag –this will give focus to the campaign and will start everyone off on the right path. Banchory chose a fold away bag
• Investigate funding available to provide the bag free to residents – Either through local government grants or business sponsorship.

Not only does this provide a focus on the environment but it brings together a community spirit which can be built on to tackle other projects. Good Luck. Click here to see the Banchory Bags Campaign