Uscreates have been working with a community led initiative in Islington to make Newington Green plastic bag free. Last week was the official launch of the campaign with the Newington Green Plastic Bag Free Week. The trial week is the first step towards a completely plastic bag free area.

Highlights and successes from the week:
- Tesco Express did not hand out a single plastic bag all week – as far as we know this has never been achieved before

- Only a small number of reused bags were handed out in the 48 shops near Newington Green

- The involvement of over 250 people in the building of a life size whale highlighting the impact of plastic on sea life

- Shops reported a savings of up to £200 from not handing out plastic bags – we think this really shows the financial argument to not hand out bags

- Local community members delivered cakes to shopkeepers half way through the week to thank them for all their hard work

- Over 3000 cotton bags were handed out to local residents to use instead of plastic bags

- Over 1000 people signed a pledge to say that they would no longer use plastic bags

- 20 000 fewer bags were used during the week

Find out more