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RICHMOND: Traders going green with cornstarch bags
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| Traders will be replacing plastic bags with constarch ones |
The people of Kew are uniting in a bid to become the first plastic bag-free town in the capital.
The campaign, which is spearheaded by The Kew Society, will see traders replace their stocks of plastic bags with biodegradable cornstarch bags, paper bags and re-usable bags made from environmentally friendly materials.
Society chairman, Michael Glazebrook, presented the idea to the community's shop owners at a meeting last week.
He said: "I was very impressed with the commitment being shown by the traders and their community spirit. Kew is a wonderful place and this move will make it even more so."
Mr Glazebrook dealt with resistance from some traders over cost implications and the meeting ended with a unanimous agreement to go ahead with the initiative.
Shops may charge customers for the more expensive bags or incorporate their cost into the products' selling price.
advertisementEvery shop in Kew is being urged to join the scheme but Mr Glazebrook said that not everyone has committed their support.
"We are not sure about the retail parks position and I have written to M&S.
"We are also awaiting Tesco's response but they seem quite keen," he added.
Owner of Oliver's Wholefoods Store in Station Approach, Sara Novakovic, said: "I think it's brilliant and it is totally do-able.
"It is very empowering knowing you can make a difference and the cost is something business must bare."
Kew Gardens has thrown its support behind the crusade. Its director, Professor Steve Hopper, said: "Most of us now realise what a devastating effect these bags have on the environment.
"We will join with the Kew Society and local shop-keepers and stop using plastic bags in our own shops."
Representatives from Tesco and M&S were not available for comment at the time of going to press.
11:51am Wednesday 2nd April 2008
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