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MARKET TO GO GREEN AND BAN PLASTIC CARRIERS
Traders on Heywood MAGIC Market are giving back to the Community which helped secure their future by phasing out the use of plastic carrier bags over a three month period to become the first SME Company in England to commit to this policy. Re – cycling bins have been installed to re –use clean plastic carrier bags whilst alternative bags made from recycled paper and Hessian bags are being prepared. Traders will actively encourage customers to re use bags rather than give them a bag as a matter of course. The aim is that the issue of new plastic carrier bags will have ceased within three months. The Market Board is fully supporting this initiative by funding a proportion of the costs in setting – up the scheme and obtaining alternative types of bag.
The Traders are confident that their customers support this idea, as already many customers are refusing bags and are bringing their own. Additionally, many customers have been canvassed for their opinions and the vast majority are positive, telling us that this is a good move to help the environment.
The traders are keen to take this action for the local environment as it was the community which rescued the market some six years ago when it was under threat of closure. Since then the Market which is managed by a Community Trust Board made up of traders, local councillors and members of the community has gone from strength to strength, having full occupancy and making annual profits whilst supporting various charities in the town. In June 2007 it was highlighted as a shinning example in a Government report as a successful community enterprise which had made use of local authority assets to the benefit of the Community.
The Market and its traders consider themselves at the heart of the Community and continue to seek opportunities to develop the Market whilst helping and integrating with the people of Heywood.
The following letter has been posted to customers:
Dear Customer,
There has recently been a great deal of debate in the media about the harmful effects of plastic carrier bags to the environment. HEYWOOD MAGIC MARKET’S TRADERS in line with their commitment and responsibilities to the local community have decided to phase out the plastic carrier bag over a three month period. This policy will not affect packaging, particularly in respect of food which for hygiene reasons will packaged as normal. The change is only in respect of plastic carrier bags.
The start of this process is the introduction of recycling bins for clean used plastic carrier bags. Customers are welcome to place used bags in them or in case of need take one for their shopping.
We ask that customers only ask for/take bags if they need one.
We have made an initial order for 1,000 Hessian carrier bags, 500 of which will be given free of charge to customers. The other 500 will be available for purchase at a subsidised price.
We are also introducing recycled paper carriers for customers use.
The bags will not be ready for a number of weeks and we will inform you as soon as they are ready and how they will be distributed.
Feedback so far from customers has been very positive to our stance and we hope all our customers will respect and share our commitment by joining with us in this initiative to help the local community and environment.
Thank you
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