Editorial: Bags of Benefits
be a ‘political action’ – as argued by environmentalist Julia
Hailes at this year’s Battle of Ideas,
debate.
social change. Whether you believe this or not the indisputable fact is
that, whether they are choosing to buy Fairtrade or shop locally,
consumers are already increasingly exercising their purchasing power in an
informed and decisive way.
In the face of the homogenisation of our high streets the survival
of the smaller independent retailers will be more important than ever.
are forced to close many British towns and villages are beginning to
realise what’s being lost. Not just the specialism, choice and
local knowledge offered by good independents but also the sense of
community created by their cohesive presence in our neighbourhoods.
Bags of Change believes in independents. It also believes
that consumers can make a difference.
It is a scheme that encourages people to shop locally and
ethically – a kind of loyalty scheme with a difference, one that
rewards ethical choices and supports independent retailers.
Consumers buy a Bags of Change reusable shopping bag, either
in an affiliated shop or via the Bags of Change website, and then get
a discount whenever they shop with the bag at a participating independent.
They also receive a regular e-newsletter with ethical shopping news and
features.
Since its launch in April, Bags of Change has attracted a lot
of interest from ethical shoppers and the distinctive bags are selling
well in over 50 affiliated stores. The challenge now is to attract enough
good shops to provide the best possible choice of goods and
services.
With
on the verge of adopting a levy or perhaps even an outright ban on plastic
carrier bags (a move that is supported by more than 90% of Londoners according
to a London Councils’ survey), the scheme couldn’t be more timely.
Are you an independent ethical retailer? Would you like to join
a loyalty scheme with a difference? Please contact us to find out
more.
Stephanie Wienrich – Bags of Change
