East Lothian Courier | News | Plastic bag free Xmas?

Tuesday, 6th January, 2009

Published: Thursday, 4th October, 2007 09:00

Plastic bag free Xmas?

ORGANISERS of the campaign to rid North Berwick of plastic carrier bags are set to launch the scheme in December, after receiving “overwhelming support” from residents and traders.

North Berwick and District Business Association, which is spearheading the project, claims it has received a mandate to push ahead with the environmentally-friendly scheme, despite only 25 per cent of recipients targeted in a mailing campaign returning their questionnaires.

Last month, the association teamed up with the Scottish Seabird Centre and North Berwick Community Council to launch their push for the introduction of biodegradable carrier bags in shops and supermarkets.

Other organisations backing the scheme include North Berwick in Bloom, North Berwick Environment Trust and the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society.

Four thousand questionnaires were sent out to local homes and businesses to test the level of public support.

The results of the survey reveal that 98 per cent of the 500 returned questionnaires are in favour of the move — which environmentalists say will help save the lives of thousands of marine animals, birds and fish in the Firth of Forth.

Association chairperson, Kathy Crawford, said: “To be given support like this has exceeded our expectations and I would like to thank everyone who has responded.

“There is little doubt that with a response rate of 98 per cent in favour of banning plastic bags, we have already won the hearts and minds of colleagues and residents in the town.

“The task of introducing alternatives to plastic bags for businesses in the town and organising funding and promotion will now start, but how wonderful to know that North Berwick backs the ban.

“More than 50 businesses in the town, many of them association members, were interviewed and the vast majority indicated support for the proposal.”

Asked if shops and other retailers in North Berwick should stop supplying free disposable plastic bags, some 73 per cent of respondents said they strongly agreed, 25 per cent said they agreed, while one per cent disagreed and one per cent strongly disagreed.

When it came to bringing their own carrier bags or trolley to shop, 74 per cent strongly agreed, 24 per cent agreed, one per cent disagreed and one per cent strongly disagreed.

Asked if, when shopping without their own bags, would respondents be prepared to buy a cheap reusable one, 61 per cent strongly agreed, 35 per cent agreed, three per cent disagreed and one per cent strongly disagreed.

Thirty-six per cent believe there should be no period of grace if free disposable bags are withdrawn, while 47 per cent want the option to be available for one month.

Eighty-six per cent of those who replied live in North Berwick, with a further eight per cent claiming to work in the town. The remainder were visitors.

Said Ms Crawford: “Discussions with retail outlets and other businesses will continue over the coming weeks to gauge an appropriate implementation schedule and all constructive comments will be welcomed.”

Any ban on plastic bags will be self-regulating.

North Berwick faces competition from Dunoon, which recently unveiled similar plans, to become the first town in Scotland to go plastic bag-free.

Social Bookmarking What are these?