NEW Rugby-centric eco-friendly shopping bags and cups have been launched on Global Recycling Day.
Town centre management company Rugby First has teamed up with Rugby Borough Council and zero waste shop Rugby Unwrapped to bring the new reusable products to the town.
The products, which sport artwork featuring details of the town designed by local artist collective Destruction Arts, were launched in Rugby town centre on Friday (March 18).
The eco-friendly bags are made from 70 per cent recycled cotton blended with 30 per cent polyester, recycled from plastic bottles. They are on sale across Rugby for £4 at eco-friendly homeware store Izzy Loops, Rugby Unwrapped, gift shop Etcetera, and Rugby Visitor Centre at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum. Each bulk order for the bags, placed by Rugby First, will see a tree planted by the supplier.
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. It is available to buy from the Visitor Centre for £10.
Rugby First Operations Director Jo Kemp said: “We are all very aware of the environmental challenges around plastic. Over the past few years, huge efforts by businesses and individuals have seen a significant reduction in the amount used but there is still a long way to go.
“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.”
Shakespeare’s England, the Destination Management Organisation for South Warwickshire and surrounding areas, showcased the products to mark Global Recycling Day and the start of English Tourism Week 2022 (Friday March 18 to Sunday March 27).
The group’s business development manager Glyn Slade attended the product launch.
He said: “Global Recycling Day coincides with the start of English Tourism Week and is the perfect opportunity to unearth some of the great unseen environmental projects going on across our own county to recycle and promote sustainability within the hospitality and tourism industry.
“Shakespeare’s England applaud this latest project launch by Rugby First on Global Recycling Day. Not only do they support the town’s economy and local artists but provide an ingenious use for recycled bottles and rice husks.”
