Kew to go plastic bag free

11:44am Tuesday 17th June 2008

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Kew is set to become one of the first places in London to banish plastic bags from shops when eco-friendly traders launch a new scheme next month.

More than 50 stores in the village have signed up to the scheme and from July 1 will only offer customers biodegradable cornstarch bags or re-usable bags made from environmentally friendly materials.

“We hope to show other villages and towns all over the country what they can and should do to change things if they get together. All things are possible."

Michael Glazebrook, Kew Society

The Greener Kew initiative has been organised by the Kew Society together with traders who, along with Kew Gardens, have signed a pledge agreeing not to give out or sell plastic bags in the future.

Chairman of the Kew Society, Michael Glazebrook said: "We hope to show other villages and towns all over the country what they can and should do to change things if they get together. All things are possible."

Mr Glazebrook added that many customers in the village now bring their own bags to the shops because of their environmental awareness and determination to "do their bit".

Some shops, including butcher Pethers, have taken further steps and had their own hessian bags made.

Customers may be charged for the fully compostable bag and Fairtrade cotton shopping bags will be available throughout the village at a cost of £2.

Traders have also been giving out fridge magnets to remind people to bring shopping bags with them when they visit Kew.

Kew Gardens has confirmed it will only be using paper carrier bags in its shops to lessen its impact on the environment.

However, disappointment has been aimed at Tesco Express for not signing up to the scheme.

Owner of Oliver's Wholefoods, Sara Novakovic, said: "Tesco seems to be falling behind their competitors and rather out of touch on this issue.

"It is disappointing, but the door is always open to them and we hope they will have a change of heart."

A Tesco spokesman said the supermarket was trying to encourage voluntary behaviour change and the Kew branch would only be giving plastic bags to customers who requested them.

They added that Tesco was "supporting the spirit of the initiative".

Mr Glazebrook said the scheme had generally been supported across the community and volunteers had been working hard to make it happen.

Richmond Council has given its backing by awarding Greener Kew a £3,000 grant from its initiatives fund, which provides money for environmental projects.

Greener Kew will be having a launch party in Station Parade at 7pm on Monday, June 30.

Refreshments and live music will be on offer outside the Kew Gardener, next to Kew Gardens Tube station, with guests including Baroness Jenny Tonge, MP for Richmond Park Susan Kramer and environmentalist Zac Goldsmith.

Anyone wanting to attend should contact Kew Society secretary Sally Sutton on 020 8940 2242 or email secretary@kewsoc.org.uk

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