One of the first policies we had for Keepers Makers when we first started the business was that we would not use plastic carrier bags for customers purchases. That was in 2005 when it wasn't so in 'vogue' so to speak and we have never given them out to this day.
Some paper bags we had did look a bit like chinese takeaway bags and it was difficult finding something that looked a bit different. We then came across recycled newspaper bags that are made in India by an NGO that supports children who make their living around Dehli railway station, providing education and somewhere to stay. These bags are really popular and everybody likes them.
Some customers keep them for a gift bag, which is fantastic as secondary use from a recycled product extends the sustainability even further. We've also been testing how they biodegrade by using them as our compost collectors. All our teabags, peelings, apple cores etc all go into our worn out newspaper bags and when full the whole lot go into the compost. No mucky containers to scrape out.!!
The only problem was that we had to sit it in a container as the bottom might not stay intact if we took to long to fill up the bag. They break down quite happily in the garden compost and also help to stop the compost getting too sludgy.
Happy composting!!
