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Inaugural Community Meeting
A group of 40 residents and retailers gathered at the Environment Centre in Takaka in the early evening of Friday 5 November 2004, with Reynish's and The Organic Shop from Takaka and Col and Trott's On the Spot from Collingwood well represented.
Nicola Basham and Nicole Parr who had kicked off the campaign a month ago introduced the speaker and facilitator Mike Ward, Green Party MP and Spokesperson for Zero Waste.
Mike told the audience that he was supportive of the plastic bag-free initiative because it would reduce the amount of oil and energy used in their manufacture, reduce the amount waste we put into landfill and reduce the amount of litter. Further, that this relatively small step would heighten our awareness of the issue of sustainability
He talked about the importance of making sure the planet looks good for our children and our grandchildren and added that if any community in New Zealand could implement such an environmentally responsible initiative, then it would surely be Golden Bay.
In addition to the benefits of eliminating the estimated 1 million plastic shopping bags and the community's justifiable pride in making the Bay a very special place to be; it would also create a positive promotional message about Golden Bay with a national and international audience.
There are a number of communities elsewhere in the world who have implemented such a campaign, such as Coles Bay in Tasmania, Bangladesh and recently Ireland - and if Golden Bay acted, it could be the first in New Zealand.
The alternatives were discussed by the audience, several of whom had experienced being plastic bag free, in Germany and Switzerland - and all agreed that bringing one's own bag, or using a reusable calico bag or cardboard box were the best options. Transitiional options included the use of paper bags or biodegradable plastic bags.
Crowther Reynish said that he was supportive of the idea and announced his plan to promote his reusable bags at very low cost. Whilst he had some concerns about slowing up the check-out lines, particularly in the busy summer season, his bags had the additional benefit of slipping over the prongs at the checkout, so that staff could quickly pack the groceries. He was also open to the possibility of charging for the plastic bags to discourage their use, or possibly offering incentives for those people bringing their own - and would be considering how to approach the matter.
Col, of Col and Trott's in Collingwood who had stocked and promoted calico bags and a biodegradable plastic bag for some years, would renew her efforts - this time hoping for more support from customers.
All agreed that educating the community to bring their own bags and NOT to expect or ask for plastic, was the most important ingredient for the campaign, and everyone signed a pledge to be plastic bag-free in the future.
Nicole Parr talked about plans to develop a 10cm sticker for supporters to place in their cars, as a reminder to bring one's own shopping bag and for retailers to showi their support. The idea of developing a special Golden Bay calico bag was discussed, with space for local retailer logos; and the possibility of having a Plastic Bag Free Demo Day - to draw people's attention to the initiative.
These and a number of other targets, measures and timetables were needed to make the initiative into a reality, and a number of supporters stepped forward to be part of the future planning. If you were not able to be at the meeting, but are interested in becoming involved in the campaign, please contact Nicola at nicola.basham@xtra.co.nz
Nicola Basham thanked the community for their encouraging support; the retailers for their open-mindedness and for Mike Ward for facilitating the meeting so expertly.