This page is part of the Plastic Bag Free Chorlton campaign. View the campaign.
Case Study
Plastic Bag Free Chorlton Campaign
Local Action Group, Sustainable Chorlton, working with the new LPM for Chorlton decided to run a
campaign to raise awareness of the damage of plastic bags and to reduce their use in the area.
Initially the campaign was inspired by Modbury and Hebden Bridge who had managed to make their
towns completely plastic bag free. However, the group researched the available options and found
that the environmental benefits of using alternatives to plastic bags (i.e paper or cornstarch) were
questionable. The group spoke to over 40 independent and chain retailers in Chorlton.
Unfortunately, the chain shops had no choice about what they could use as a bag.
The group decided to concentrate on talking to the shoppers about changing their lifestyle habits.
"We will be supporting the Chorlton campaign by contacting local shops and supermarkets
asking them to consider providing alternatives to the single-use plastic bag. If this campaign
is successful in Chorlton, it is hoped that lessons learnt can be used across the city."
Councillor Neil Swannick, Executive Member for the Environment
‘The majority of our customers use the canvas bags that we supply and we have had no
problems at all. In fact, it is going really well and has proved to be quite popular. It is great to
see something like this take off and for everybody in the local community to come together."
Jack Frost, Frosts the Butcher
Eddy:
Plastic Bag Free Chorlton:
- Persuaded 17 shops in Chorlton to go ‘Plastic Bag Free'
- Approached 40 other shops to find out what would need to happen to make them change their
plastic habits
- Distributed counter signs to over 40 shops to persuade the consumer not to use a plastic bag
- Distributed 100 bags for life to local shoppers
- Formed a partnership with Manchester City Council to promote Chorlton as a plastic bag free
area
- Generated publicity on the subject via: South Manchester Reporter, MEN, Manchester Radio,
Channel M
- Organised publicity raising events in Chorlton precinct to talk to shoppers about the issue.
- Surveyed 50 shoppers about their shopping habits
78% of Chorlton Shoppers surveyed carried a ‘bag for life' with them when shopping
100% of shoppers surveyed felt that we should all use less plastic bags.
Created by Rene Jorgensen at 15:44 on 05 November 2008