BUSINESSES ASKED TO HELP BIN THE BAG (Kirklees Liberal Democrats)

Kirklees Liberal Democrats <info@kirkleeslibdems.org.uk>

BUSINESSES ASKED TO HELP BIN THE BAG

December 17, 2008 3:27 PM

In the New Year, businesses - both large and small - will be engaged by the council on issues arising from the handing out of single use carriers and asked to actively support and promote the use of re-useable bags with their customers as an alternative.

Businesses across Kirklees are to be asked to help reduce the number of carrier bags handed out to shoppers across the borough as part of a council funded project.

As part of the project a range of activities, events and materials to raise public awareness will be generated.

The Lib Dem sponsored initiative was given the green light by the council's cabinet today with £20k of funding being allocated to cover the running costs.

Cllr Ann Denham (Lib Dem Spokes Person on the Environment) said:

"Single use carrier bags are an environmental nightmare. Their actual costs far outweigh their usefulness and the expense the council incurs tidying them up and disposing of them is certainly one it could do without. And in these financially difficult times, I am sure many businesses will welcome the widespread promotion of the 'take your own bags with you" approach as it will save them on their overheads. We hope this project will gain support from all the local businesses and that they will work with us to make it a big success".