October
Market farewells plastic bags
1 Oct 2010 Edition
Reusable bags are the latest must have item at Richmond’s Gleadell Street market following Council’s ban on plastic bags.
Council officers handed out almost 5000 reusable bag packs to market customers in late August, on the first day the weekly market went plastic-bag free.
Prior to the ban, about 30,000 plastic bags had previously circulated at the market each Saturday morning.
Stall holders have been allowed to continue using biodegradable bags on a temporary basis as they get used to the plastic ban, while shoppers can also bring their own plastic bags to the market but are encouraged to use reusable bags instead.
Hawthorn’s George Tsiotinas is one shopper who doesn’t need any encouragement.
The 64-year-old has been shopping at the market for 37 years, bringing with him reusable bags sourced from all kinds of places.
Even the plastic bags inside cereal boxes have proved a handy option for carrying his groceries.
“I try to avoid as much as I can using plastic bags because of course they go in the rubbish and damage the environment,” George said.
For more information, contact Russell Colquhoun, Team Leader – Local Laws, on 9205 5143 or at Russell.
Colquhoun@yarracity.vic.gov.au
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