Bags for Better Lives
In 2008, Mariana Cervantes-Burchill co-ordinated Sustainable Merton's first big project; Bags for Better Lives.
Sustainable Merton planned to knock on 3000 doors in Wimbledon Park a deliver a cotton shopping bag. They would not ask for money, only that residents should try to remember to use the bag and so help reduce our reliance on oil based products, protect the environment, cut business costs and control litter and waste.
The team also approached local shops. If their customers had been given re-useable shopping bags, then we hoped the shops would feel justified in not giving out free plastic ones so readily. They would also be asked if they wanted to sponsor the project - in return their name would be printed on the bags.
It was the first time this sort of project had been tried in London. What sort of reception would they get?
In the event, Sustainable Merton were overwhelmed by the amount of support and encouragement they were offered. Not only did many local traders sponsor the bags but the Co-op in Arthur Road sponsored a whole bag of their own, allowing Sustainable Merton to deliver two bags per household. Merton Council gave us time and money, Wimbledon Park and Bishop Gilpin Schools and the Wimbledon Park Residents' Association all pitched in and the local Guardian covered the project from start to finish.
Would you like to try something similar in your area? Merton Council want to extend the project to the whole of Merton. Perhaps Sustainable Merton can help.
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