Be green, it could be expensive not to

Marks and Spencer’s new eco initiative is to reduce the amount of plastic carrier bags being used by their customers. The plastic bag is a culprit against many anti-environment crimes. Plastic bags when piled on rubbish landfills, take decades to erode into the earth or how cows and fish mistake it for food and thus severely damage their intestines. Not to mention when they blow away and tangle themselves onto trees for years on end.

“Because there is no plan B” say Marks and Spencer on their pro green website (Plana.marksandspencer.com). Though Gordon Brown commended Marks and Spencer’s initiative, it should not over power their much debated non-environmentally friendly packaging materials. As well as their materials, M&S have been recognised for over packaging, however its packaging does fundamentally support its luxurious and refined brand values. So why not just use recyclable materials.

The economic incentive of having to pay 5p per bag is such that customers will automatically turn to eco alternatives or at least cheaper alternatives. According to Reusablebags.com we use 117,372,223,216 117, 008, 980, 410 (whoa!) plastic bags a year and counting. For many households the plastic bags holds an extremely important place. For years we have used it as bin liners, storage, packing shoes, taking lunch and countless others. Though there is an inconsistency, if plastic bags (any kind not just from a store) are so anti-environment, what do we line our bins with? Does its practical use out trump its environmental damage?

Food stores offer environmentally friendly reusable bags, but the lack of style can be a turn off. So here are some stylish options. Anya Hindmarch's “I’m not a Plastic Bag” made famous by the A-listers and elaborately priced for an eco product. Recycled woven bags made from juice packs, £16.99, Nigelsecostore.com Nigels Eco Store is a really great online store to keep in mind for everything eco.


The store proves all types of eco products whether its homeware, gifts and children’s toys can have great design and innovative ideas. Check out the solar powered toys and outdoor playhouses for children. Why not customise your own reusable bag at Canby.co.uk

A Green Thought:
Plastic bags are environment's dirty rags,
Cows and fish mistake them for food,
So lets wise up and reuse.