Plastic Bags

Reading article "Plastic Bags" - Reply to this / 6 comment(s)
A tip for avoiding pesky plastic bags:
Customers in my store sometimes dislike getting plastic bags because they don't degrade for hundreds of years and are harmful to the environment.
They will either reuse bags and stuff as much as possible in one, or bring in their own paper or canvas tote bags.
I think canvas totes are great because they're very strong and you can actually hold more in them than a flimsy wasteful plastic one! Reply to this

Comments

1. Re: Plastic Bags by ecosrights, 216 days ago

   I'm glad you're supportive of people bringing their own bags - too often I get a funny look for saying "no thanks, it'll go in here" as I gesture to my rucksack.
   
   If you do take plastic bags, make sure it's as few as possible and reuse them (the squash up small so there's no excuse for not carrying one) - our nursery happily accept them for "wet" clothes to be sent home in when kids have had accidents.
   
   Thankfully many stores in the UK are working to reduce the impact of their bags by making them out of higher proportions of recycled materials or, even better, making them so that they biodegrade. It's also worth checking out your council recycling scheme - more and more accept them now.

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   1. Re: Re: Plastic Bags by RoxyMoron, 213 days ago

      I wish that we did offer an alternative paper bag, but I'm not sure why we don't. I think it's because it's a little bit too expensive for our small store, we only have one location! Hopefully in the future we will, as it is the best option and more customers will appreciate it!

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2. Re: Plastic Bags by ecosrights, 213 days ago

   Years ago I worked for a music shop that were ahead of their time on this front. They were a little family business and they still used more paperbags than plastic - they had them in 2 sizes - vinyl single (also for CDs and small purchases elsewhere in the shop) and for sheet music. They then had plastic carriers for albums, but they used more paper than anything else, and the larger ones were brown, so didn't even used bleached paper! I'm not sure what they use now, I can only hope they've not gone plastic because of supposed cost savings.

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3. Re: Plastic Bags by RoxyMoron, 211 days ago

   I think if enough customers suggest it, we will start to answer to the demand. I'm not sure how we'll cover the costs on this one since I'm not in that department but hopefully it'll happen in the near future. Paper bags are very helpful and reusable!

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4. Re: Plastic Bags by Anonymous, 106 days ago

   I live in Porthcawl
   S.Wales,and I am in the process of trying to create a plastic bag free town so far I am getting a very positive response from people I am seeking funding for linen and hesian bags. keep up the good work. John porthcawl

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   1. Re: Re: Plastic Bags by ecosrights, 105 days ago

      That is a very good aim to have. Good luck to you in your challenge / endeavors. Please feel free to create a post on here and track your progress or let us know if you have a location where you are publicising the work on line - good luck to you.
      
      Jane

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