March 26, 2008

Media Release (For Immediate Release)

Green Bags In Green Bay

They’re putting the “green” back into Green Bay.

On April 12 the Green Bay shopping centre is declaring itself plastic-bag free.

It’s an environmental move prompted by Waitakere City Council and the Green Bay Ratepayers’ and Residents’ Association and backed by all 24 retailers in the suburban shopping strip. They range from the local supermarket, to takeaway bars, a hardware store and vet clinic.

The campaign kicks off with a community market day on the 12th (from 9.30am-3pm).

“There is a growing awareness that plastic bags are an environmental nightmare,” says Green Bay RandR president Glenn Turner.

“Not only are they made using oil and petrol by-products, but they don’t rot away. They just sit underground for thousands of years. Also, Green Bay is on the shores of the Manukau Harbour and plastic kills fish and birds,” he says.

Mr Turner adds that with re-usable cloth shopping bag alternatives so cheap and available, plastic bags are simply not needed anymore.

“We live in Waitakere, the Eco-City, and this is one small step that this community is taking towards improving our environment,” says Mr Turner. “The response from retailers has been absolutely fantastic and now we hope the community comes on board with the idea.”

He says that on an average weekend up to 3000 plastic bags could be used by Green Bay shoppers. “It doesn’t take long for those thousands to add up to millions- so this is a step that ill have very real environmental benefits,” says Mr Turner.

Mayor Bob Harvey hopes the idea will soon spread to other shopping areas. “These things work best when they are community led and driven,” he says. “And this community is certainly leading the way.”

The Market Day on April 12 will also be used by the West Auckland Community Toy Library as a fundraiser.

ends

© Scoop Media