17 April 2008
A local campaign led by Guildford Community Recyclers to ban the use of plastic bags is going from strength to strength. Many High Street shops and stall holders at the Farmers Market have now joined the Guildford Ban the Bag campaign, which is supported by the Council and already has the backing of many shoppers.
Emma Roberts, Community Recycler, explains: “It’s great that the campaign is so popular, however, it doesn’t stop here. We are asking all local retailers to back the campaign by asking shoppers if they need a plastic bag rather than automatically giving one out. Not only will businesses save money, they will also help to protect the planet”.
Adds campaigner, Nicky Ford: “Many Guildford shoppers say they want to use reusable bags but often leave them in the car. To help, Guildford Borough Council is displaying signs in car parks throughout the borough reminding shoppers to take their bags with them. It soon becomes second nature to have a bag tucked in your handbag or pocket”.
House of Fraser and Debenhams are just two of the High Street retailers who have joined the campaign. Debenhams has agreed to ask customers before giving away bags and House of Fraser only gives out paper bags.
Ian Lockett, Deputy Manager at House of Fraser, comments: “We want to show we value our customers' purchases but also show our commitment to reducing waste. When wrapping each purchase our staff will give customers a choice as to whether they would like a carrier bag or whether we could add it to the purchase already made. We encourage customers to re-use our carrier bags.”
Most of Guildford’s independent shops are also enthusiastic about the campaign, and campaigners have also been targeting outlying areas of the borough. Budgens in Queen Elizabeth Park, and Charles Pain and Horsley News in West Horsley are also backing this green initiative.
A grant from Surrey County Council to buy reusable cotton bags means campaigners have been able to give them out to the public in return for a pledge to use them instead of plastic bags.
The Ban the Bag campaign, which is organised by Guildford Community Recyclers and supported by Guildford Borough Council, runs parallel to a nationwide and global movement against the use of single-use plastic bags.
This initiative is part of Guildford Borough Council's commitment to improving residents’ local surroundings, by focusing on issues that matter most to them such as a cleaner, safer and greener environment.
Communication Services
Guildford Borough Council
Millmead House
Millmead
Guildford
Surrey
GU2 4BB
Tel: 01483 444336
Email: catherine.abraham@guildford.gov.uk