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Richmond Row merchants putting reusable bags in customers' hands
The Richmond Row Business Association is taking strides to help Londoners reduce their environmental footprint with a newly launched initiative aimed at getting rid of those pesky plastic bags that pollute our streets and clog our landfills. The association announced Monday that participating Richmond Row businesses will be handing out "new, fashionable, reusable Richmond Row bags," to use for the immediate purchase, and for all purchases made in the future. In addition, London City Council has declared Tuesday (April 22) as Plastic Bag Free Day as part of Earth Day activities. "We believe these are appropriate steps towards sustainability and encourage all of our customers to embrace the initiatives. Many people making small changes can add up to big positive impacts for the environment," said Brad Scrinko, owner of Gift of Art on Richmond Row. Richmond Row merchants understand the need to be part of the solution to the problem of plastic bag litter and pollution, said a release issued by the Richmond Row Business Association. "The merchants on The Row embrace the change and are assisting customers to take a responsible approach to their shopping experiences by providing attractive reusable bags." Candace Mackay, past-secretary treasurer of the Richmond Row Business Association and owner of Tribal Mountain Trade, said paper or plastic, this has long been the dilemma facing retailers when purchasing bags for their stores. She was approached by Maryanne MacDonald of Waste Free World (see link), a grassroots environmental organization, based in London, regarding implementing the plastic-free program among Richmond Row merchants. "I was quick to take on the project. I could see that Londoners were catching on; plastic bags are not good for the environment. My customers are often offended if given a bag. Now we ask first if they want a bag," she said, adding the City of London showed leadership and support to make this initiative a reality. In Ontario, seven million plastic bags are handed out every day. In London the average household uses between eight and 10 plastic bags per week, or approximately 80 million plastic bags a year. Most plastic bags are made from non-renewable resources, and recently, the Ontario Government announced expectations that businesses cut plastic bag use in half by 2012. WEB: Waste Free World |
| Great coverage on this topic. We thank London Topic very much for helping to spread the word on this important movement. Happy Earth Day! |
| By: Brad Scrinko on 04/22/2008 |
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