The trial, which begins today and runs for the whole of August, will involve an education campaign to win “hearts and minds of shoppers”, as well as a survey before and after the trial period to assess the impact of the project.
The council believes that about 65 million carrier bags are entering the waste stream in County Durham alone, and has been looking for an answer to the problem for some time (see letsrecycle.com story). While it does not have the necessary statutory powers to bring in a carrier bag tax similar to that existing in the Republic of Ireland, Councillor Joe Armstrong, who is spearheading the campaign, said that the council recognises there are alternative, voluntary measures that can address the problem.
Councillor Armstrong, who is chairman of the council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee, said: “I am sure that what we can achieve between us will not only help reduce the plastic carrier bag problem locally, but provide a useful pointer to what can be achieved nationally, too.”
The scheme is being backed by Marks and Spencer, Sainsbury's, Tesco and WH Smith, which will all seek to influence shoppers to re-use their bags through posters designed by local schoolchildren. The campaign also has the backing of the British Retail Consortium.
Councillor Armstrong said: “These top stores have been very enthusiastic about getting involved and it will be very interesting to see if a combination of young people, a local authority and major retailers can be successful in changing people's attitudes.”
Reduce
Alongside the bag re-use trial, the council has been working with its retail partners to find other ways to reduce waste.
Marks and Spencer are now running a six-week pilot scheme to test an environmentally responsible alternative to standard plastic carrier bags throughout the entire north east. Made of a “hard-wearing woven material”, the bags are available in two sizes and have already proved popular in Ireland. If successful, the bags will be introduced nationwide.
WH Smith has introduced a policy for the trial period of only offering customers who purchase multiple items or fragile items whether they require a bag. If customers purchase a single item such as a newspaper, magazine or chocolate bar will not be offered a bag.
Sainsbury's and Tesco will be promoting their 'ba;gs for life', which can be purchased for 10p each and are replaced free of charge when worn out. Sainsbury's will also be introducing fully biodegradable bags to its store in the Arniston Centre in Durham. Piloted in three London stores, the bags are made from tapioca, which breaks down in 28 days.
Subscribe for free