Retailers urged to join anti-plastic bags campaign

Local retail stores are being urged to boost their green credentials and join the 'Say No to Plastic Bags' campaign.

Next Tuesday (26 February) the campaign steps up a gear with a special meeting of retailers and councillors.

The meeting at South Norfolk House, Swan Lane, Long Stratton at 7pm will outline campaign aims and unveil the new toolkit of advice, which retailers can use.

It will also be an opportunity for retailers to brief the meeting on their plans for dealing with the plastic bags issue.

The campaign is the brainchild of South Norfolk Council Chairman Councillor Joe Mooney, who has made it part of his mission to make the district brighter, cleaner and greener.

And this week he is on the campaign trail, contacting store managers to urge them to attend the meeting.

Councillor Mooney said:

“I know that retailers care as much about the environment as I do. The ‘Say No to Plastic Bags’ campaign is an ideal opportunity for businesses in our district to show their green credentials by doing something for the environment.

"The campaign will also help raise the profile of participating businesses and could lead to cost savings from not having to issue so many bags."

Since its launch, Councillor Mooney has received tremendous support, with many members of the public contacting him to back his campaign.

He believes it has caught the public mood, with many people now ready and willing to say no to plastic bags, in favour of reusable bags.

Also since his launch, other councils, including the county council, have launched their own campaigns.

He praised Waitrose at Wymondham for agreeing to attend the Tuesday meeting along with other local retailers from across the district.

Also at Tuesday's meeting will be Deb Nash, postmistress at the Kirby Cane Spar shop she owns and manages with her husband Steve. They have backed the campaign from day one, and are already handing out reusable bags to customers.

Wymondham High School Green Team of students will be there too, giving a presentation on their own anti-plastic bags campaign.

Invitations have also gone out to Morrisons, Tesco, Somerfield, Budgens, Sainsbury, the Co-op, Woolworths and others asking them to send a representative to the meeting.

Retailers who want to attend on Tuesday should call Cllr Mooney direct on 01953 604482, or the council's environment team on 01508 533830.

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