Market joins the plastic campaign
SHOPPERS and traders at the Treacle Market are doing their bit to make the market as eco-friendly as possible.
The monthly market attracts hundreds of shoppers each month, with many taking their wares home in single use plastic bags, bubble wrap and containers.
Market organisers Jane Munro and Debbie Quinn, who recognised how plastic causing is a strain on the environment, challenged traders to cut down on packaging, and are thrilled with the result.
Debbie said: “Many traders didn’t realise how easy it is now to source sustainable alternatives to the containers and bags they had been using to date. We have been really delighted by the response from our Treacle traders who have thrown themselves at the challenge to reduce single use and non-essential plastic.”
Jane added: “Most of them have made a concerted effort to change long-standing plastic habits and make their trading as ecologically sustainable as possible. We are so proud of their determined and positive approach.”
Coffee traders have started using biodegradable cups and lids, street food stalls use recycled card packaging with wooden knives and forks, and Rob Gray, who runs Dirtpie Cigarbox Guitars, now wraps his guitars in a bag made from old grain sacks.
Now organisers say the challenge is being extended to shoppers, who are encouraged to bring their own reusable bags, jars and containers when they shop, with some traders offering a discount to those who bring their own cups.
The Treacle Market has also produced its own reusable bags, designed by Macclesfield illustrator Dick Vincent, to make it even easier.
Jane added: “Treacle visitors have been resourceful as well with many bringing their own reusable shopping bags each time. If you forget your own shopping bag you can buy one of [our] lovely bags for £1 from a Treacle trader. No one is making any money from these bags we just want to encourage an alternative to the dreaded plastic bag.”
The reusable bags will be available at the next Treacle Market, on Sunday, July 29, with the Honey stall giving away free bags to the first 10 customers of the day.
The market, which also supported the Macc-tastic Less Plastic event at the Barnaby Festival, has made the plastic pledge as part of a wider conversation between a number of community groups in Macclesfield.
» ● To find out more and join the conversation email Macctasticlessplastic@gmail.com.