Glamorous launch for ‘green’ shopping bags
One of Ireland’s most colourful politicians got together with two glamorous models today to aid the environment.
Jackie Healy-Rea, 70-year-old independent parliamentary representative for the Kerry South constituency - best known for the tartan hat he invariably sports in and around the headquarters of the Dail - went on a shopping trip with Gail Kaneswarren and Jennifer Langan in the centre of Dublin that demonstrated the virtues of plastic carrier bags said to be totally degradable.
Walking beneath an umbrella fringed with the bags in question, the trio showed off a material claimed to have a lifespan of just 18 months, compared with current plastic containers that can last for hundreds of years.
The bags in question will be available at the SuperValu and Centra chains of stores run by the Musgrave group.
Musgrave managing director Michael Nason said: ‘‘As a major Irish retailer, we have been concerned about the environmental impact of plastic bags for some time, and have taken several initiatives to cut down on the number used.
‘‘Unfortunately, shoppers’ behaviour has proved difficult to change. And the launch of the degradable bag will have a huge environmental impact - with the key factor being that it does not depend on the difficult task of changing shopping behaviour.’’
The bags have been produced by Symphony Plastic Technologies, which says they start to degrade after 18 months.
