Trial response makes case for national bag re-use campaign

Organisers of pilot “Choose to reuse” schemes in Bristol and Edinburgh have said the trials have gone so well, they have been extended by two weeks.

“Choose to Reuse” campaign organiser Julia Falcon with Richard Swanell, head of innovation at WRAP

Retailers taking part – including ASDA, Tesco, Somerfield, Boots and Co-op – agreed to continue the “Choose to Reuse” scheme until the end of November.

Launched in September 2005, the campaign encourages shoppers to re-use their carrier bags or use sturdy re-usable bags instead. Backers WRAP hope the campaign will put a dent in the 112 million bags used by the cities each year.

Check-outs
Supermarket check-out operators have played an integral part in the campaign's achievements so far, helping to spread the &#39C;hoose to Reuse' message.

The strong public response puts the scheme in good stead for a national roll-out pending the full evaluation to be carried out in January.

Julia Falcon, campaign organiser for the Waste & Resources Action Programme, said: “We have been delighted by the fantastic response the reusable bag campaign has received from consumers and are pleased that retailers have backed the campaign.

“Schools and local environmental groups have also shown their support and we felt such an enthusiastic response justified an extended campaign,” Ms Falcon added.

The campaign has also included supermarket roadshows, a localised public relations campaign, kids' competitions and freebies for shoppers including &#39D;on't bin the bag' bin stickers and wipeable fridge magnets for shopping lists.

WRAP said the UK as a whole gets through 100,000 tonnes of plastic carrier bags each year, and that cutting back on the number used, through reuse can make a contribution to saving resources and reducing waste.