NEW eco-friendly reusable shopping bags and cups will be launched in Rugby Town Centre on Global Recycling Day on Friday (March 18).
Town centre management company Rugby First has teamed up with Rugby Borough Council and zero waste shop Rugby Unwrapped to bring the new products to the town.
The eco-friendly bags are made from 70 per cent recycled cotton blended with 30 per cent polyester, recycled from plastic bottles.
The biodegradable reusable cup is made from rice husk – and those who buy the cup will be able to get discounts at town centre businesses.
Both products will be on display in Market Place on Friday (March 18) between 11am and 4pm.
Rugby First Operations Director Jo Kemp said: “We are all very aware of the environmental challenges around plastic. The production and promotion of the reusable bag and cup, although small steps, are all part of a larger jigsaw, where each and every one of us can begin to make a difference to where we live, and how we think and behave.
“People can visit the stall on Friday to find out more and pick up a bag at the same time. The first 20 bags purchased will contain a free eco gift sourced from Dunelm, Home Bargains and Superdrug in Rugby, plus a small tree.”
Coun Jill Simpson-Vince, Rugby Borough Council’s growth and investment spokeswoman, said: “With so many great places to shop or buy a hot drink in Rugby, this is a fantastic way to encourage customers to ditch their plastic bags and enjoy a hot drink while at the same time promoting sustainability and doing their bit for the environment.
“It’s also a win for businesses as they will be able to reduce their carbon footprint, have less waste and also make cost savings on materials.”
The products sport artwork featuring details of Rugby town, designed by Destruction Arts.
The products sport artwork featuring details of Rugby town designed by Destruction Arts, who said: “It was exciting to design something that was going to be printed on an eco-friendly tote bag made from recycled plastics that many people would find fun, colourful and appealing to use.”
The cup is available from Rugby Visitor Centre, in Rugby Art Gallery and Museum, at £10. The reusable bags will cost £4 and be on sale at Izzy Loops, Rugby Unwrapped, Etcetera and the Visitor Centre. Each bulk order for the bags placed by Rugby First will see a tree planted by the supplier.
