Bag a Bag for Life

Updated: 16 November 2009

Children in Three Rivers have been working hard to encourage residents to go plastic-bag-free, by designing artwork for the new Three Rivers Bags for Life...

Children in Three Rivers have been working hard to encourage the local community to go plastic-bag-free, by designing artwork for the new Three Rivers Bags for Life as part of a District Council competition.

The new Bags for Life, which are made of jute, are now available across the district. The winners are Lydia at Harvey Road School (Croxley Green) and Jayan at Sarratt School. Their original and interesting designs caught the judges' attention and highlighted the importance of reducing plastic bag consumption. They each won a special bench for their school, made from recycled plastic. Lydia's design has been printed onto the bags.

Portfolio Holder for Public Services and Health, Councillor Phil Brading, said:
"We introduced these practical, long lasting Bags for Life because there is a clear need to reduce plastic consumption in Britain. The average shopper uses 342 plastic bags per year. Each plastic bag is used for an average of 12 minutes before being discarded. These shocking facts remind us how important it is to try and reduce the impact of plastic on our environment, by carrying a practical Bag For Life for our shopping wherever we can. We hope the new bags, which feature attractive designs and challenging messages from our younger residents, will appeal to the local community."

Headteacher of Harvey Road School, Nick Rowlands, said:
"We were keen for the children of Harvey Road to take part in this competition to remind them to use reusable bags whenever possible. It was a great way to engage with lots of residents, as the children can spread the message to their friends and families. We're delighted that Lydia won a bench for the whole school to enjoy."

Emily from Abbots Langley School and Ellen from The Russell School (Chorleywood) were runners up . Ellen's design conveyed such a clear message that the judges decided to print this on the reverse of the bag.

Residents can pick up their Bag For Life at Three Rivers House, Chorleywood Parish Council, Abbots Langley Parish Council and at participating local primary schools at a cost of £2.

85 pence from bags bought at schools will be refunded back to the school.