Traders and shoppers support "plastic bag free" zone (Cambridge Liberal Democrats)

Cambridge Liberal Democrats <camlibdems@gmail.com>

Traders and shoppers support "plastic bag free" zone

December 17, 2008 10:17 AM

Cllr Sian Reid (right) and Lucy Nethsingha show off the eco-friendly bags which are changing shopping habits in Newnham.

Shops in Cambridge's Newnham Croft are becoming "plastic bag free" zones following a partnership between the city's Lib Dems and traders.

Shoppers are being offered the chance to pick up free cotton eco-bags and reuse them when they visit leading shops in the area.

The scheme has been launched with a £1,300 grant from Cambridge City Council and top up cash from traders.

It is being backed by the Derby Store and Newnham Bakery, in Derby Street, N.K. Jank pharmacy in Eltisley Avenue and C. Cousins and Son butchers in Grantchester Street.

The bags, which feature the names of the shops in a logo created by a Newnham Croft School pupil, were designed by resident Lucy Nethsingha, of Bulstrode Gardens, Cambridge.

Sian Reid, executive city councillor for Climate Change and Growth, said: "By reducing the use of plastic bags, shoppers can, not only help the environment but also the profitability of their local shops."