Press Release

Shop Smartly to become a ‘Smart Recycler’

Monday, 12 December 2005

Shoppers in the City’s Richmond Centre last week were urged to become ‘Smart Recyclers’ as part of the national Smart Shopping campaign.

Julie Hannaway, (Derry City Council's Waste Minimisation And Recycling Officer), Carol Mc Adams (Environment and Heritage Service), Jim Doherty (Richmond Centre) and Cnclr Martin Reilly.

Last week’s launch was delivered by Derry City Council in partnership with the Environment and Heritage Service as the Council’s Waste Minimisation And Recycling Officer, Julie Hannaway explained,

“We took the opportunity to launch the initiative in the Richmond Centre at the height of the Christmas preparations as a substantial number of potentially recyclable waste is acquired by shoppers over the Christmas shopping period. The purpose of our involvement in this national campaign was to raise local awareness of the need to think smartly about recycling in an effort to reduce the volume of waste accumulated.”

Launching the initiative Councillor Martin Reilly Chairman of Environmental Services said that the Smart Shopping campaign is an ideal opportunity for shoppers to get on board to tackle the problem of waste, in particular plastic bags.

“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Council and the Environment and Heritage Service who have worked together to implement this Smart Shopper initiative. This campaign highlights the problem of plastic bag waste in our society and the measures that we as consumers can take to reduce this problem.“

“With plastic bags taking up to 1000 years to degrade, they are causing serious damage to our environment. They are an eyesore on our streets and roadsides, and in our hedges and trees throughout the countryside therefore we must take immediate action to prevent this from continuing.”

The launch visually highlighted the amount of waste a shopper produces and offered simple alternatives to reduce this waste including a free reusable cotton bag, which was given out at the launch. In addition, shoppers were asked to sign a ‘Pledge to be a Recycler’, to highlight their commitment to recycling and to be in with a chance to win a new Smart Shopping recycling bag.

Ms Hannaway continued,

“This campaign will increase awareness and understanding of the need to prevent waste, whilst providing helpful tips about how to go about it. We received a fantastic reaction from the shoppers in the Richmond Centre yesterday who were delighted to receive information on how they can help to reduce the problem of waste.”

Helpful tips include:

· Use a reusable bag/ a bag for life instead of plastic carrier bags
· Try reusable alternatives to throwaway items e.g. razors
· Buy refills - reduce packaging and save money
· Buy loose fruit and vegetables rather than pre-packed
· Avoid convenience goods with layers of packaging
· Choose Gift Vouchers for goods and experiences. Buy a Gift for Life from the charity of your choice.
· Remember to take old clothes and toys to a charity shop.
· Turn old Christmas Cards into new things, e.g. bookmarks or gift tags.
· Buy rechargeable batteries.
· Buy reusable Gift bags instead of wrapping papers.

For more information contact Julie Hannaway at Derry City Council on (028) 7137 5151.

ENDS

For more information contact Marketing and Communications on (028) 71376504

For additional information contact:

Press Office

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