We hope to answer many of the questions and concerns of traders on this page. We'll constantly add to the page and if you ask a question we'll try to answer it.
The guy in this short video explains very clearly why we should give up plastic bags and consider the environment, so please do watch.
How do I persuade my customers to bring their own bags?
As you will know, many customers are already bringing their own bags. Every participating trader will receive a poster for their window, advertising the fact that the trader doesn't give out plastic bags and encouraging customers to bring their own shopping bags. Every household in Aylsham will receive a free shopping bag from Norfolk County Council and there will be a lot of press and media coverage over the next few months to encourage the use of non plastic reusable shopping bags.
Paper and corn starch bags are more expensive than plastic bags?
True, but the larger the bulk they are bought in, the cheaper they become. Crawford at Whites Butchers on Red Lion Street has ordered corn starch bags and found that they are about £3 more per 1000 than normal bags. If you tell us the size of the bags and the numbers of bags you require, then we will try to coordinate this with other traders to create economies of scale.
Remember though, that we are trying to encourage customers not to ask for bags at all, instead use their own shopping bags. Also because more customers will have their own shopping bags, you won't need as many bags to give out to customers, so take that into account when you let us know the kind of numbers of bags you think you may require. Remember that the cost of a years supply of your normal bags is nothing in comparison to the cost of advertising, so getting involved and the associated press coverage will be a positive gain financially.
What's the point?
Aylsham is a historic market town, which has played its part in history and now supports a diverse range of traders. This is an opportunity to bring together the traders to work to a common goal and receive recognition it in the press and other media. If Aylsham can be the first town in Norfolk then there will be more press coverage and better PR for the participating traders. Many customers will reward you with better custom if they see you are trying to reduce your environmental impact.
If we don't use plastic bags what do we use for food hygiene, waterproof bags, bin liners, and bags for dog poo?
Simple answer = cornstarch bags.
They look like plastic, feel like plastic and act like plastic, but are made from a vegetable base and totally compostable.
Please read the bottom half of the Modbury "bag info" page to find out why putting food waste in plastic bags for the dustman is seriously adding to landfill problems (According to WRAP), and has the danger of creating methane. - "Bag info page"
Plus here is a link to a really useful BBC page that lists environmental ways to clean up after your dog (these idea's can be applied for cats too). Website
To find wholesalers details please click here Wholesaler page
What has this campaign done for trade in Modbury, Britain's first Plastic Bag Free town?
Well it certainly hasn't harmed trade.
Before writing the answer to this question, Rebecca, the main campaigner, went and asked several of the traders what they thought. As ever it depends on who you ask. If their shop was more geared towards the tourist market they seem to have done pretty well; but if their business is not aimed at that market then it seems to be business as usual.
None of the traders have said it has brought a loss to the town, and all agreed with the tourist information that it has brought a lot more foot traffic to the streets to see how we do it.
So to round up - we haven't seen a huge boost to the trade, more a small bounce but it has not deterred or put customers off one bit.
However each trader Rebecca talked to said the same thing when she asked him or her this question. "Rebecca you know we didn't do it for that reason why are people asking this?" Simple, Rebecca knows people ask this question because they need to reassure their traders that by taking on this campaign they are not going to be out of pocket.
What if a trader wants their name printed on their own bag?
Fine, if a trader wants their own bag printed then great, however the advice from Modbury is if they want to do that then that's up to them; don't get involved its not your job. Remember the key to Modbury's success is that they work as a collective not as individuals competing against each other.
Why do you charge for your disposable bags?
One of the most important reasons for charging is to discourage customers from using them. There are also practical considerations: a sustainably manufactured alternative to a plastic bag is always going to be more expensive to produce. Plastic bags can be purchased for as little 8 for a penny making "free" give-away a financial possibility for the smallest trader. However, more ethical alternatives like cornstarch and paper can be anything from 4 pence a bag and upwards. No small business can afford to give them away with every purchase. The initial decision in Modbury to charge for bags was not an easy one to make for fear of alienating customers who were so accustomed to getting a free bag. However, time has shown it was definitely the correct decision. It has allowed the campaign to be successful and made the important point to customers that there is, in fact, no such thing as a free bag. Just because costs are hidden doesn't mean they don't exist. And, just to re-iterate, hardly anyone has complained about having to purchase a bag.
Should the traders train their staff before the changeover?
Absolutely, we highly recommend you do this. Remember, the first question often "what is wrong with plastic bags I like them". Many staff and shop assistants may still think that way so its really wise to get the traders to give at least a briefing. Better still, if businesses can really get their staff to understand the root of all of this and why Aylsham is doing it. The stance the traders and their staff take in Modbury is not to apologize for the charges. Be proud of Aylsham Plastic Bag FREE and stand firm.
Recommended Alternative Bag Wholesalers
Modbury in Devon (Britains first plastic bag free town) have credited the wholesalers below as supplying a product that has been ethically sourced.
You may well find cheaper products on the market BUT are they ethical and actually that good for the environment, or do they just say they are?
For further information please visit http://www.blogger.com/www.plasticbagfree.com/baginfo.php
However if you want to make your life easy, the wholesalers below have been vetted and vetted and vetted again about the product they supplied before they were used in Modbury.
1) The Supplier of the ‘official’ Modbury Bag
Bags2Keep
POBox 55
Torpoint
Cornwall
PL11 3WY
UK
Tel : +44 1579 349005
Mob : +44 7802 386384
Email: rod.baker@btconnect.com
http://www.bags2keep.co.uk/
2) Water Based Ink Printers
Lorna Wiles Textiles Unit 7
Restormel Industrial Estate
Lostwithiel
Cornwall
PL22 0HG
UK
TeL: +441208 873666
Contact: Jon & Sumita Sinkins
3) Supplier of the Cornstarch Bags (England and Wales only)
Biobag Limited
Comet Road
Moss Side Industrial Estate
Leyland
Lancashire
PR26 7PF
UK
Tel: +44 1772 641 348
Fax: +44 1772 621 065
Email: biobag@btconnect.com
http://www.biobag.no/default.pl?showPage=246
4) Supplier of string bags
Turtle Bags
1 Hardcastle Villas
Worcester Road
Stourport on Severn
Worcestershire
DY13 9PA
UK
Tel: +44 1299 827092/ +44 1299 827092
Email: turtle.bags@yahoo.co.uk
http://www.turtlebags.co.uk/
5) Supplier of FSC Paper bags
Carrier Bag Shop
Unit C18,
Hastingwood Trading Estate
Harbet Road
London
N18 3HU
UK
Tel: +44 870-777-7673
Email: info@carrierbagshop.co.uk
http://www.carrierbagshop.co.uk/environment.htm
Other Plastic Alternative products:
1) Suppliers of the cornstarch food containers, and food wraps
London Biopackaging
Unit 42, Pall Mall Deposit
124-128 Barlby Road
London
W10 6BL
UK
Tel:+44 20 8969 8086
Fax:+44 20 8969 8183
Email: info@londonbiopackaging.com
http://www.londonbiopackaging.com/
2) Supplier of Bio floristry wrapping materials
Jet Supplies Ltd Unit 7b
Burnett Industrial Estate
Cox's Green
Wrington
North Somerset
BS40 5QR
UK
Tel: +441934 862200
Fax: +441934 862277
Email: sales@jetsupplies.co.uk
(Sourced by our Florist)
http://www.jetsupplies.co.uk/index.php
Suppliers who have been in contact with Aylsham Plastic Bag Free include:
The Biodegradable Bag Company Ltd - http://www.biodegradablebag.co.uk/
The guy in this short video explains very clearly why we should give up plastic bags and consider the environment, so please do watch.
How do I persuade my customers to bring their own bags?
As you will know, many customers are already bringing their own bags. Every participating trader will receive a poster for their window, advertising the fact that the trader doesn't give out plastic bags and encouraging customers to bring their own shopping bags. Every household in Aylsham will receive a free shopping bag from Norfolk County Council and there will be a lot of press and media coverage over the next few months to encourage the use of non plastic reusable shopping bags.
Paper and corn starch bags are more expensive than plastic bags?
True, but the larger the bulk they are bought in, the cheaper they become. Crawford at Whites Butchers on Red Lion Street has ordered corn starch bags and found that they are about £3 more per 1000 than normal bags. If you tell us the size of the bags and the numbers of bags you require, then we will try to coordinate this with other traders to create economies of scale.
Remember though, that we are trying to encourage customers not to ask for bags at all, instead use their own shopping bags. Also because more customers will have their own shopping bags, you won't need as many bags to give out to customers, so take that into account when you let us know the kind of numbers of bags you think you may require. Remember that the cost of a years supply of your normal bags is nothing in comparison to the cost of advertising, so getting involved and the associated press coverage will be a positive gain financially.
What's the point?
Aylsham is a historic market town, which has played its part in history and now supports a diverse range of traders. This is an opportunity to bring together the traders to work to a common goal and receive recognition it in the press and other media. If Aylsham can be the first town in Norfolk then there will be more press coverage and better PR for the participating traders. Many customers will reward you with better custom if they see you are trying to reduce your environmental impact.
If we don't use plastic bags what do we use for food hygiene, waterproof bags, bin liners, and bags for dog poo?
Simple answer = cornstarch bags.
They look like plastic, feel like plastic and act like plastic, but are made from a vegetable base and totally compostable.
Please read the bottom half of the Modbury "bag info" page to find out why putting food waste in plastic bags for the dustman is seriously adding to landfill problems (According to WRAP), and has the danger of creating methane. - "Bag info page"
Plus here is a link to a really useful BBC page that lists environmental ways to clean up after your dog (these idea's can be applied for cats too). Website
To find wholesalers details please click here Wholesaler page
What has this campaign done for trade in Modbury, Britain's first Plastic Bag Free town?
Well it certainly hasn't harmed trade.
Before writing the answer to this question, Rebecca, the main campaigner, went and asked several of the traders what they thought. As ever it depends on who you ask. If their shop was more geared towards the tourist market they seem to have done pretty well; but if their business is not aimed at that market then it seems to be business as usual.
None of the traders have said it has brought a loss to the town, and all agreed with the tourist information that it has brought a lot more foot traffic to the streets to see how we do it.
So to round up - we haven't seen a huge boost to the trade, more a small bounce but it has not deterred or put customers off one bit.
However each trader Rebecca talked to said the same thing when she asked him or her this question. "Rebecca you know we didn't do it for that reason why are people asking this?" Simple, Rebecca knows people ask this question because they need to reassure their traders that by taking on this campaign they are not going to be out of pocket.
What if a trader wants their name printed on their own bag?
Fine, if a trader wants their own bag printed then great, however the advice from Modbury is if they want to do that then that's up to them; don't get involved its not your job. Remember the key to Modbury's success is that they work as a collective not as individuals competing against each other.
Why do you charge for your disposable bags?
One of the most important reasons for charging is to discourage customers from using them. There are also practical considerations: a sustainably manufactured alternative to a plastic bag is always going to be more expensive to produce. Plastic bags can be purchased for as little 8 for a penny making "free" give-away a financial possibility for the smallest trader. However, more ethical alternatives like cornstarch and paper can be anything from 4 pence a bag and upwards. No small business can afford to give them away with every purchase. The initial decision in Modbury to charge for bags was not an easy one to make for fear of alienating customers who were so accustomed to getting a free bag. However, time has shown it was definitely the correct decision. It has allowed the campaign to be successful and made the important point to customers that there is, in fact, no such thing as a free bag. Just because costs are hidden doesn't mean they don't exist. And, just to re-iterate, hardly anyone has complained about having to purchase a bag.
Should the traders train their staff before the changeover?
Absolutely, we highly recommend you do this. Remember, the first question often "what is wrong with plastic bags I like them". Many staff and shop assistants may still think that way so its really wise to get the traders to give at least a briefing. Better still, if businesses can really get their staff to understand the root of all of this and why Aylsham is doing it. The stance the traders and their staff take in Modbury is not to apologize for the charges. Be proud of Aylsham Plastic Bag FREE and stand firm.
Recommended Alternative Bag Wholesalers
Modbury in Devon (Britains first plastic bag free town) have credited the wholesalers below as supplying a product that has been ethically sourced.
You may well find cheaper products on the market BUT are they ethical and actually that good for the environment, or do they just say they are?
For further information please visit http://www.blogger.com/www.plasticbagfree.com/baginfo.php
However if you want to make your life easy, the wholesalers below have been vetted and vetted and vetted again about the product they supplied before they were used in Modbury.
1) The Supplier of the ‘official’ Modbury Bag
Bags2Keep
POBox 55
Torpoint
Cornwall
PL11 3WY
UK
Tel : +44 1579 349005
Mob : +44 7802 386384
Email: rod.baker@btconnect.com
http://www.bags2keep.co.uk/
2) Water Based Ink Printers
Lorna Wiles Textiles Unit 7
Restormel Industrial Estate
Lostwithiel
Cornwall
PL22 0HG
UK
TeL: +441208 873666
Contact: Jon & Sumita Sinkins
3) Supplier of the Cornstarch Bags (England and Wales only)
Biobag Limited
Comet Road
Moss Side Industrial Estate
Leyland
Lancashire
PR26 7PF
UK
Tel: +44 1772 641 348
Fax: +44 1772 621 065
Email: biobag@btconnect.com
http://www.biobag.no/default.pl?showPage=246
4) Supplier of string bags
Turtle Bags
1 Hardcastle Villas
Worcester Road
Stourport on Severn
Worcestershire
DY13 9PA
UK
Tel: +44 1299 827092/ +44 1299 827092
Email: turtle.bags@yahoo.co.uk
http://www.turtlebags.co.uk/
5) Supplier of FSC Paper bags
Carrier Bag Shop
Unit C18,
Hastingwood Trading Estate
Harbet Road
London
N18 3HU
UK
Tel: +44 870-777-7673
Email: info@carrierbagshop.co.uk
http://www.carrierbagshop.co.uk/environment.htm
Other Plastic Alternative products:
1) Suppliers of the cornstarch food containers, and food wraps
London Biopackaging
Unit 42, Pall Mall Deposit
124-128 Barlby Road
London
W10 6BL
UK
Tel:+44 20 8969 8086
Fax:+44 20 8969 8183
Email: info@londonbiopackaging.com
http://www.londonbiopackaging.com/
2) Supplier of Bio floristry wrapping materials
Jet Supplies Ltd Unit 7b
Burnett Industrial Estate
Cox's Green
Wrington
North Somerset
BS40 5QR
UK
Tel: +441934 862200
Fax: +441934 862277
Email: sales@jetsupplies.co.uk
(Sourced by our Florist)
http://www.jetsupplies.co.uk/index.php
Suppliers who have been in contact with Aylsham Plastic Bag Free include:
The Biodegradable Bag Company Ltd - http://www.biodegradablebag.co.uk/
Comp Bio Products Ltd - http://www.comp-bio.co.uk/
Biopac (UK) Ltd - http://www.biopac.co.uk/
If you have questions then please send them to enquiries@aylshamplasticbagfree.co.uk and we'll try to answer them as quickly as possible.
If you are a trader and would like to take part then please download the Letter of Support we ask you to fill out - Click here to download the Letter of Support
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