Very interested to read in a new report that buying reusable shopping bags is the most important environmental issue for 80% of UK consumers.

The same report reveals that while 35% of us say we’re willing to pay up to 5% more for ‘eco’ goods or services, 34% don’t want to pay any premium at all.

Contrast this with 45% of people in China willing to pay up to 10% more and it seems that, perhaps surprisingly, those in emerging markets may care more about the environment than those in the developed world.

Food is the second most important issue for the UK, with 58% saying they would be most likely to buy local or organic.

Bags of Change has always believed that consumers are more motivated by incentives and savings than penalties – and the carrot approach in the form of the eco reward bag is the foundation of our unique loyalty scheme.

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Global insurer, RSA surveyed consumers across nine global markets about their concerns and habits.

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The BBC has today published an excellent article on climate change and the need to conserve genetic diversity, as Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank celebrates its first milestone in a project to protect all endangered plant species: having already, amazingly, succeeded in collecting seeds from 10% of the world’s wild plants.

Professor Stephen Hopper, director of the RBG Kew, writes, “There is no technological reason why any plant species should become extinct. It is simply a question of priorities.”

Kew’s Seed Bank is a global partnership, the largest of its kind, and has been described by David Attenborough as “perhaps the most ambitious conservation initiative ever”.

The partnership aims to secure the safe storage of 25% of the world’s plants by 2020, with a focus on those most threatened by climate change.

Bags of Change is proud to be neighbours of Kew Gardens.

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Today is Blog Action Day and the topic is ‘Climate’.

Follow Bags of Change on Twitter.

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http://twitter.com/Bagsofchange

See you there!

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Calling all local campaigners! Play your part!

Following on from a plastic free initiative called Greener Kew, on 1 July Greener upon Thames was founded to encourage Richmond and Kingston traders to ditch the plastic bag.

If you are a school or business in Richmond or Kingston please take part by signing the pledge to cut down on plastic bags.

Business pledge form.

Schools pledge form.

You can also sign their petition here

Thank you!
Bags of Change

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More devastating information about plastic has come to light this week. Plastic is decomposing in our oceans and releasing harmful chemicals.

A new study reveals that the hundreds of millions of tonnes of plastic floating in our oceans is actually breaking down – and releasing toxins in the process.

Two of the chemicals – bisphenol A and PS oligomers – disturb the hormone and reproductive systems in animals.

And we are at risk too. Decomposing styrofoam releases styrene monomer, a known carcinogen, and styrene dimer and trimer which are both suspected carcinogens.

‘We found that plastic in the ocean actually decomposes as it is exposed to the rain and sun and other environmental conditions, giving rise to yet another source of global contamination that will continue into the future.” Dr Katsuhiko Saido to yesterday’s meeting of the American Chemical Society.

Is this just the tip of the iceberg? What will further research reveal about the islands of plastics we are creating now? Still using plastic bags? Think again!

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We have some gorgeous goodies from the lovely people at Weleda to give away.

We will send you a FREE full size Sea Buckthorn Creamy Body Wash (RRP £6.95) when you order one of our lovely bags online. Hurry, this is a limited offer while stocks last.

Weleda’s Sea Buckthorn Creamy Body Wash is a revitalising blend of antioxidant-rich biodynamic sea buckthorn oil and oranges, mandarins and grapefruit from pure essential oils.

Sea buckthorn is a particularly nourishing oil and a rich source of anti-ageing pro-vitamin A and vitamin E. Sea buckthorn encourages cutaneous cell-renewal thereby assisting the skin’s natural regeneration. Gentle on the skin as well as the environment.

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World news

Yesterday the Delhi High Court turned down a plea by plastic manufacturers for a stay on the city’s plastic bag ban. On 7 January, the Delhi government banned the use of plastic bags in shopping and marketing centres under the Environment Protection Act.

The total number of plastic bags in circulation in the UK dropped from 13.4 billion in 2006 to 9.9 billion last year, according to The Waste and Resources Action Programme. However, this still equates to a whopping 400 bags per household.

The National Trust, has reduced its plastic bag usage by 85%, equivalent to almost a million bags, reports the Guardian.

Some new UK campaign websites

- See DEFRA’s Get a Bag Habit website.

- The first 1,000 people who register with a new campaign site for Wales, Get Carried Away, will receive a free reusable bag. Wales used around 480 million bags last year.

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Great news for shoppers, Bags of Change has just signed 13 new stores!

A big welcome to our first affiliated retailers in Cornwall, Devon, Derbyshire, Hertfordshire, Nottinghamshire, North Yorkshire, PLUS the four lovely new shops in Ireland.

See the Shops page for details…

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Photo credit: Chris Smith, Eco-Tube

Pete Postlethwaite, star of the new climate movie The Age of Stupid, was taken by surprise during a recent Q&A when he was awarded a ‘green OBE’ by our good friend Katie Keegan of One Green Earth and carbon coach Dave Hampton on behalf of all those calling for urgent action to reduce greenhouse emissions, and as part of the Not Stupid campaign.

‘The People’s OBE for Outstanding Bravery for the Earth’ – handcrafted by Katie with 98% recycled materials – was in recognition of Pete’s pledge to return his OBE if the government gives the go-ahead to the controversial Kingsnorth coal-fired power station in Kent.

On being presented with the green gong, Pete said: “Well if I do (have to lose the other OBE in protest), I’ve got a fantastic substitute!”

Katie is asking all other OBE, MBE, GBE, DBE and CBE holders to join Pete in his pledge.

You can support Katie’s campaign on Facebook.

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Earth Hour: WWF are asking you to switch your lights off on Saturday 28 March at 8:30pm to show support for action to tackle climate change. More than 2,000 cities have already signed up and Nelson’s Column, the London Eye, the Eiffel Tower, Niagara Falls and Sydney Opera House, amongst other landmarks around the world, will also be plunged into darkness. Visit the WWF website to pledge your support.

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Yesterday British scientists declared that up to 85% of the Amazon rainforest could disappear in the next 100 years if carbon pollution is not stopped.

A 4C rise would kill 85%, but even a 2C rise above pre-industrial levels (the ‘best-case scenario’) would see a 20% to 40% loss according to a Meteorological Office study using computer modelling.

This loss would be irreversible and could cause a further climate change catastrophe, turning what is a significant carbon sink into a significant carbon source.

The UK with 1% of the world’s population produces 2.3% of the world’s C02. The worlds richest countries have created the climate crisis. Will they – we – act in time?

This issue is close to our heart, not least because of our connection to the rainforest communities through our sustainable Amazonian rubber bag, but it’s a global problem with global effects.

What can we do?

- write to the Prime Minister and ask him to take action on climate change

- ask your MP to support a strong and sustainable Renewable Energy Strategy

And on an individual level we can each take steps to reduce our own carbon footprint. Whether it’s signing up to a green energy supplier, turning down the heating, or buying local and organic, we can all find at least one small thing we can do to make a difference.

Make a start. Make that one change today.

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Sunday 15 March is the ‘people’s premiere’ of The Age of Stupid, a new film about the consequences of dangerous climate change. “A captivating and constantly surprising film,” according to George Monbiot.

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According to the IGD Shopper Trends 2009, many areas of ethical shopping are on the increase including Fairtrade, local, and animal welfare items. Over a quarter of us bought Fairtrade food in the last month, 27% opted for local production, and 20% chose food that supports high animal welfare standards.

So why is organic food losing its appeal, falling from 24% to 19% last year?

Many of us seem to be increasingly aware of our responsibility as consumers to the livelihood of those who grow and produce our goods but somehow this does not translate to organic produce. We see the connection to our own health when we purchase organic but do we forget the impact of intensive chemical farming on those working with and living adjacent to non-organic crops? Do we forget the impact of insecticides and pesticides on delicate ecosystems and the waterways that support whole communities? Do we consider the health of animals subjected to antibiotics and growth hormones?

Surely, organic is fairer too?! Fairer on the environment, on the farmers and producers that work with these crops, and on the animals who ultimately feed many of us. Our purchasing power is the power for change. We shouldn’t forget organic. Find out more about what to buy and organic certification.

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Be a part of this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight, 23 February – 8 March. Choose Fairtrade and help tip the balance of trade in favour of poor producers.

To show our support we’re offering £5 off our fairly traded rubber bags for the fortnight.

Fairtrade Fortnight is more important than ever this year as the economic downturn begins to affect sales of ethical products in the UK.

Organic sales growth slowed down dramatically last year. Don’t let the financial downturn be the downturn of ethical growth in the UK – support your local shops and take advantage of the Bags of Change discounts.

Our member shops are offering up to 10% off organic, Fairtrade and local goods to Bags of Change customers.

Support Fairtrade and organic producers and the shops that stock their products – take your bag and get shopping!

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With an estimated 490 million plastic bags used in Wales every year, Welsh Assembly Government officials have been asked to start work on legislation to put an end to the use of single-use plastic bags. The aim is to get retailers to charge a fee to raise funds for environmental projects – a levy of 10p per bag could raise more than £6 million a year.

“Currently there is a voluntary agreement where certain retailers have agreed to reduce the number of single use carrier bags by 50% by May this year – this is a good target. But this does not cover all retailers and still leaves 50% using one trip plastic bags. I recognise we need to give the retail sector a chance to demonstrate what they can do voluntarily, but I am willing to use all the powers at our disposal.” Environment Minister Jane Davidson.

“Bags of Change certainly supports the move to reduce plastic bag useage but yet again we’re disappointed to see that politicians are shying away from an outright ban. We know it works! In Ireland the plastic bag levy introduced in 2002 resulted in a 90% reduction in the use of plastic bags.” Faith Simpson, Bags of Change.

What do you think of the proposed levy?

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Coffins, Cats and Fair Trade Sex Toys launched February 2009 is really worth a read if you want to know all there is to know about the Fairtrade journey.

Jeremy Piercy has such a passion for the subject and gave me some great pointers in the formative years of Bags of Change. It is great to see this passion finally realised in this long awaited book. Faith Simpson – Bags of Change director

The book itself is not academic but about the people who made it happen and who are making it happen today in all parts of the world.

As the founder of Shared Earth and now with seven other stores around the country, Jeremy has hitchhiked to India and braved roast guinea pig, all to see the idea of Fairtrade become a success. Can Nepalese sex workers escape and find a normal life? Can New Delhi street kids become graphic designers? Fairtrade says ‘yes!’ It can even help save the environment! Jeremy Piercy founded Shared Earth in 1986. Find out how he got involved in Fairtrade, how the business grew and how Fairtrade is still growing today.

The book is available from Shared Earth at the reduced price of £5.99. You can also buy signed copies at the launch which will be happening at Shared Earth, Borders and at One World Shops around the country in February and March 2009.

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Exciting new initiative launched by the Rare Brand Market – a showcase for unique and ethical brands not found on the high street, a monthly hub for inspiration and ideas.

Bags of Change will be represented at the next Rare Brand Market in Chichester:

Monday 9th February 2009
10am – 7pm
Pallant House Gallery
Chichester

alongside fabulous brands including:
Clothkits – make your own clothes!
Cocoa Loco – organic chocolate
LOMBOK – Eastern inspired living using recycled and natural materials
Quba Sails – unique clothing made from recycled sailcloth
Treehouse Blue – traditional toys, organic baby clothing

and many more… www.therarebrandmarket.co.uk

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Bags of Change retailers Grassroots in Glasgow and Wealden Wholefoods in Wadhurst, East Sussex are taking part in this year’s Purple Love Week, a national tasting event running from Saturday 14th to 22nd February.

“We want people to turn off the news, come and see what we have to offer and find out how spending just a fiver can have a massive impact not only on the overall economy but on their own livelihoods as well” says Louise Duncan of Grassroots.

“Any money spent in the local economy is worth five times as much to the overall community so just a fiver works out at being worth at least £25 because the money goes from business to business meaning the whole community benefits. What we want to do is to make that spending fun and worthwhile so we’ve got some great things planned for Purple Love Week – after all, a fiver a day keeps recession at bay!”

Spend and Save is the really serious message behind the 4th Purple Love Week, created by Dorset Food company Olives Et Al. This year’s event is all about helping save thousands of retailers, large and small, urban and rural, that are the heart of this nation of shopkeepers and who form the real backbone of our economy.

Bags of Change supports over 70 ethical shops nationally with its unique loyalty scheme. “Wealden Wholefoods and Grassroots are both great shops and offer so much to those who looking for Fairtrade and Organic products”. Faith Simpson, Bags of Change.

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Happy New Year!

Bags of Change members and organic specialists Grassroots in Glasgow invite you to two special events:

Keep yourself in good health!
From 10am – 3pm on 28th January, Alex Kirchin from Viridian will be holding a free nutrition clinic at Grassroots Organic. Alex has a Masters Degree in Nutritional Medicine and a Diploma from the Institute for Optimum Nutrition.

Give your taste buds a treat!
From 7pm on Wednesday 4th February, Grassroots Organic will host an indulgent and informative evening sampling some of the finest wines and cheese from around the world.
There will be blue cheeses with sweet South African whites, rich and creamy cheeses with New Zealand Pinot Noir, bries with merlot, mature cheddar with Rioja and goats cheese with French sauvignons. You will also be shown how to make a simple, soft cheese at home in about half an hour!

There are a limited number of places available. To book just call the shop on 0141 353 3278 or send an email to info@grassrootsorganic.com.

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Bags of Change is voted Most Innovative Green Product in the 2008 Green England Awards.

“It will definitely be a Green Christmas for us this year, as Bags of Change wins a Green England Award for the second year running. This year the public voted our loyalty-scheme-in-a-bag the ‘Most Innovative Green Product’. Yet again, Bags of Change has been judged by the people that count – green and ethical consumers. A big thank you to everyone who voted for us!”
Faith Simpson, Bags of Change co-founder.

Green England is a directory of green and ethical products, services and days out throughout England. With tips, information, articles and news on going greener it helps everyone live a little greener. Co-founder Penny Ritson says, “I heartily congratulate all the winners. It’s great to see the green and ethical businesses get the recognition they deserve. I wish them all a very green, ethical and prosperous 2009.”

Bags of Change is a unique scheme to promote ethical shopping at independent retailers. Nationwide more than 70 affiliated retailers, selling everything from Fairtrade gifts in the Orkney Islands to organic cosmetics in Brighton, offer exclusive discounts and offers to those who shop with one of the distinctive Bags of Change bags.

Visit Bagsofchange.co.uk to see the full range of bags and ethical stores – a great place to source planet-friendly Christmas presents.

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Butterslip is a great addition to the 70+ shops we already have in the UK. They sell a great range of organic, sustainable and fairtrade gifts including wooden toys (thinking Christmas presents here!), jewellery, CDs, photo frames. They also stock some great local products, such as Max Benjamin Candles, made in Co. Wicklow and Cocoa Bean Chocolates from Co. Kerry. Need Christmas decorations – they’re Fairtrade too!

Butterslip is currently offering 5% on all purchases over 20 euros when you shop with your Bags of Change bag! In store from Friday 12th December.

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