Crediton says no to plastic (From Mid Devon Star)

Crediton says no to plastic

7:30pm Thursday 4th September 2008

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CREDITON is all set to declare itself a plastic bag-free town with a special launch day on November 1.

More than 90 per cent of the town's shops are co-operating, and there will be a celebration on the day, with 1,000 environmentally-friendly jute bags given away in the High Street and town square.

The initiative has been planned by the environmental group Crediton Climate Action and supported by the town's Chamber of Commerce.

CCA group spokeswoman Paula Mossman said: "We are very excited that this whole effort is coming together so well. Almost all the retail premises in Crediton are being very co-operative and enthusiastic about this project and we fully expect to have over 90% of the shops involved when we launch.

"When we surveyed the stores earlier this year we were horrified to learn that a town the size of Crediton was using over 1.4 million plastic carriers a year.

“We appreciate that a few of the stores which are part of chains have to abide by national policies regarding bag use, but that is not going to stop the rest of us reducing plastic bag uptake in the town to a fraction of this, which is very good news for the environment."

Jenny Pitts, of Four Seasons in the High Street, said: "We have already gone plastic carrier bag free and the vast majority of our customers are really happy with our new arrangements. They appreciate the environmental reasons for cutting back on plastic bags. We endorse this initiative wholeheartedly and will be participating fully."

Chris Nicholl, Chairperson of the Chamber of Commerce said: '' It is very heartening to see many of the traders in Crediton pulling together over this issue. The town centre needs all the positive input we can give it.

“By becoming the largest town in Devon to do this it will show local people that, as well as providing a great range of goods and services, Crediton is an environmentally responsible place to shop.''

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