Melton considers local shopping bag

A reusable green bag is being created and designed specifically for Metlon in order to encourage recycling at the local level and promote the “Think Melton, Shop Melton” campaign.

A group of councillors comprised of various parties has agreed to the concept and is inviting officers to pursue more in depth research into the matter. In addition, they are exploring the possibility of partnership on the idea with the town centre.

If the idea were pursued, the bag’s design would be the subject of a competition and corporate sponsors would be invited to participate in realizing the project.

Matthew Jones, recycling and education officer for Melton Council and Verdant, said: “If we have a green bag which is widely used around Melton and people stop using plastic carrier bags then that would be a positive thing.

“Making a reusable bag will have an environmental impact and it would be our job to minimise that, but we believe the benefits would outweigh the costs.

“People using a reusable bag do also tend to look at other ways to reduce their impact on the environment, and think more about packaging and plastic wrappings and food waste.”

Officers are also investigating the textiles to be used in making the bag and are looking into using natural fibres to ensure ethical production.

Ideas are already being accepted for a catchphrase to promote the bag. Among ideas already submitted are: “First Stop, Local Shop;” and “I’ve got recycling in the bag.”