Saltash Environmental Action group bags a winner

By PRSD, on Tuesday, January 13, 2009

posted by Cptn

The move from plastic bags to reusable cotton ones has been a Saltash success story. In a case of impeccable timing, the Saltash Environmental Action Group, which borrowed £1,600 from Saltash Town Council, will pay back its the loan on Thursday (January 15) – six months early.

The £1,600 was used for the initial print run of 500 cotton and 250 just bags, since then there have been three editions of the bag promoting the greener way of life and more than 1,200 have been sold in the town.

Chair of Saltash Environmental Action, Marianne Beale told the PRSD: ” We campaigned initially for all of Saltash shops to stop providing bags, and most of them have been really supportive. It’s encouraging news that more shoppers are bringing their own bags and far fewer now ask for a plastic bag (or equivalent). Many shops are charging 5p for each plastic bag and by doing so Saltash has already raised nearly £500 for Cornwall Wildlife Trust.

“We think the message is really beginning to get through but we still want to remind people that plastic isn’t fantastic – take a bag with you when you go out!”

For more on the what the Saltash group has been getting up to, visit their website.