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Bags of support for free carriers
EVERY household in Penistone will get a free cloth bag in a pioneering drive to dump plastic carriers.
The Co-operative Group is donating 6,000 fair trade cotton bags - worth 6,000 - to the Penistone Carry-a-Bag Campaign.
The move is a boost for campaigners who came up with the plan after research showed more than 90 per cent of people, and the vast majority of shopkeepers, were in support.
Pete Riley, of the Carry-a-Bag Campaign, said: "We're absolutely delighted. I think people will be very pleased to get something free and hopefully at the same time it will get the message across and people will change their habits.
"We're really grateful for the support of the Co-op."
The cloth bag scheme links with a Star campaign for a charge on carriers to cut use and increase awareness of climate change and runaway consumption. In February Prime Minister Gordon Brown said he was ready to introduce a tax to force supermarkets to reduce plastic bag use if they do not take steps voluntarily.
Now Penistone Carry-a-Bag wants volunteers to help deliver the donated bags. Barnsley Council will help deliver them to outlying and remote properties.
Michael Taylor, manager of The Co-op in Penistone, said it was a major step towards making the town plastic bag free. He said: "As an ethical and responsible retailer, it's appropriate that The Co-operative is supporting this important environmental initiative.
"While all our plastic bags are fully degradable, we are taking steps to reduce the number used and in support of Friends of the Earth's campaign to help the community go plastic free, we are giving each household in Penistone a free Fairtrade cotton bag."
To get involved in the campaign email penistone-carry-a-bag@hotmail.co.uk or call Penistone and District Community Partnership on 01226 766202.
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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