'Choose to Reuse' Bag Campaign Extended due to Consumer Demand
23 November 2005
Consumers in Edinburgh and Bristol have reacted so positively to the 'Choose to Reuse' bag pilot that organisers and participating retailers (including ASDA, Tesco, Somerfield, Boots, Co-op, Scotmid and Dobbies Garden World) have agreed to extend the initiative until the end of the month.
The campaign, which encourages consumers to reuse their carrier bags or bring a sturdier reusable bag with them to the shops, has seen supermarkets and shoppers joining forces in a bid to reduce the staggering 112 million bags used by the two cities each year.
Julia Falcon, Campaign organiser for WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme), said: "We have been delighted by the fantastic response the Reusable Bag Campaign has received from consumers and are pleased that retailers have backed the campaign.
"Schools and local environmental groups have also shown their support and we felt such an enthusiastic response justified an extended campaign."
Julia added: "Christmas shopping generates huge numbers of wasted carrier bags, and we are keen to work with retailers to remind consumers of the positive impact that simply reusing bags can have at this time of year."
The campaign, which launched in September, may be rolled out nationally if the regional pilots prove to be a success. Supermarket check-out operators have played an integral part in the campaign's achievements so far, helping to spread the 'Choose to Reuse' message. Marketing initiatives have included supermarket roadshows, a localised PR campaign, kids competitions and consumer giveaways such as 'Don't bin the bag' bin stickers and wipeable fridge magnets for shopping lists, selected to remind consumers to remember their bags.
A full evaluation of the campaign will be completed in January, when the results and a further announcement are expected.
Julia Falcon, Campaign organiser for WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme), said: "We have been delighted by the fantastic response the Reusable Bag Campaign has received from consumers and are pleased that retailers have backed the campaign.
"Schools and local environmental groups have also shown their support and we felt such an enthusiastic response justified an extended campaign."
Julia added: "Christmas shopping generates huge numbers of wasted carrier bags, and we are keen to work with retailers to remind consumers of the positive impact that simply reusing bags can have at this time of year."
The campaign, which launched in September, may be rolled out nationally if the regional pilots prove to be a success. Supermarket check-out operators have played an integral part in the campaign's achievements so far, helping to spread the 'Choose to Reuse' message. Marketing initiatives have included supermarket roadshows, a localised PR campaign, kids competitions and consumer giveaways such as 'Don't bin the bag' bin stickers and wipeable fridge magnets for shopping lists, selected to remind consumers to remember their bags.
A full evaluation of the campaign will be completed in January, when the results and a further announcement are expected.
Editor's notes:
- WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme) is a major UK programme established to promote resource efficiency. Its particular focus is on creating stable and efficient markets for recycled materials and products and removing the barriers to waste minimisation, re-use and recycling.
- A not-for-profit company in the private sector, WRAP is backed by substantial Government funding from Defra and the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- WRAP is currently running fifteen programmes. Twelve are focused on market development, and comprise nine material streams (Paper, Plastics, Glass, Wood, Organics, Aggregates, Tyres, Plasterboard and Batteries) and three generic areas (Business & Finance, Procurement, and Regional Market Development). Three further programmes relate to the wider resource efficiency remit - Collections, Communications and Awareness, and Waste Minimisation.
- More information on all of WRAP's programmes can be found at www.wrap.org.uk
Why reuse bags – what is the environmental benefit?
In the UK, about 100,000 tonnes of carrier bags are disposed of each year (that’s the weight of around 70,000 cars). Cutting back on the number we take, through reuse can make a contribution to saving resources and reducing waste.
Abby Edwards/Kate Woods/Amy Shackleton
Grayling PR
Tel: 0117 922 7799, Mob:07880 790115
abby.edwards@uk.grayling.com
Grayling PR
Tel: 0117 922 7799, Mob:07880 790115
abby.edwards@uk.grayling.com
<p>Amanda Barry Hirst
Head of PR and Communications
WRAP
The Old Academy,
21 Horse Fair
Banbury
OXON OX16 0AH
Tel: 07958 736056
amanda.barryhirst@wrap.org.uk
Head of PR and Communications
WRAP
The Old Academy,
21 Horse Fair
Banbury
OXON OX16 0AH
Tel: 07958 736056
amanda.barryhirst@wrap.org.uk
