Sustainable Thornbury's Plastic Bag-Less Thornbury Campaign

Did you know the world uses over 1.2 trillion plastic bags a year? That averages about 300 bags for each adult on the planet. But we only use each plastic bag for approximately 12 minutes before disposing of it. It then lasts in the environment for decades. In the sea plastic bag litter is lethal, killing at least 100,000 birds, whales, seals and turtles every year. After an animal is killed by plastic bags, its body decomposes and the plastic is released back into the environment where it can kill again.

Sustainable Thornbury is asking everyone to look at what we, in Thornbury, can do to reduce the number of plastic bags. Much of today’s plastic packaging could be eliminated without any problem. We take a plastic carrier out of habit rather than because we really need one. As shoppers, are we prepared to say “no”? Even more, are we prepared not to be offered a bag unless we specifically need one? Only thirty years ago plastic carriers didn’t exist and shoppers didn't expect, or get, unnecessary packaging – they carried their own bag.

Of course, some packaging is necessary. We don’t need a separate bag for toothpaste, but we certainly need to package a portion of chips. In these cases, we could look for more environmentally-acceptable alternatives to conventional plastic. Today, there are plastics that compost completely or degrade to inert powder. Even better, there are natural materials: paper (recycled or at least from sustainable plantations), corn-starch, cotton and jute. Each has its own uses and all bio-degrade as nature intended. We can challenge the traders to use better alternatives. And don't fall for that durable plastic bag; is it any better than several single-use plastic bags? Most "bags for life" have a very short life.

However you look at it, plastic doesn’t have a good image. This is really evident when considering shopping bags. Imagine 3 shoppers meeting up for lunch. One has a host of flimsy plastic bags; the second has a couple of smart paper carriers; the third has a woven bag colour-coordinated with her outfit. Which shopper fits your image?

Sustainable Thornbury recognises that eliminating unnecessary plastic is a joint effort by shoppers and traders. Our campaign is aimed equally at changing the expectations of shoppers and helping traders to meet them. You can do your bit by supporting those traders that are meeting the challenge. Watch for our window stickers to tell you who they are. Especially you can carry a shopping bag with you so that you can say ‘no’ to plastic.

Together, we can achieve a better environment.

Film Show demonstrates danger of plastic

A public showing of the BBC film Message in the Waves at Turnberries Hall attracted local interest.

Sustainable Thornbury showed the film in support of their campaign to reduce the number of plastic bags given out in Thornbury.

The audience learnt about the huge swirl of plastic debris that is circulating in the Pacific Ocean. This ‘soup’ causes major damage to wildlife in the region, particularly birds such as the albatross and playful dolphins who get tangled in plastic which they mistake for playthings.

The film was followed by an opportunity to talk to members of the group and to look at alternatives to plastic bags. The audience also saw the work in progress from Castle School A Level students who are producing some promotional work for the campaign.

Following visits by ST members, many local retailers are reviewing their current plastic bag usage and looking at alternatives. Some of the larger chain stores, such as Tesco and the Co-op, have agreed to actively promote their long life bags as part of the campaign. More are expected to join in by the launch date in May.

To find out more about Message in the Waves, visit the website: www.messageinthewaves.com

Survey shows Thornbury shoppers are ready to change

Members of Sustainable Thornbury recently asked residents whether they would support reducing the number of plastic bags used in the town. The results show an overwhelming support for action. Over 400 people responded to the survey which was taken at the Farmer’s Market, at the Mundy Fireworks event and on the High Street at lunchtime. Over 97% supported reducing the number of bags given out in our shops.

Most people were concerned at the environmental damage caused by these bags and many shoppers already carried their own re-usable bags. Plastic bags are made from oil which is already in short supply. They damage wildlife who swallow them and they can take hundreds of years to degrade.

For more information about Sustainable Thornbury’s Plastic Bag Campaign or to ask for more assistance in moving away from plastic packaging please ring 01454 416778 or email

Membership of Sustainable Thornbury is free and open to anyone living or working in Thornbury and surrounding villages. If you would like to join, please email