Attenborough enlists new ally in war on plastic... a Scots milkman!
SIR David Attenborough has long been revered for his tireless efforts to save the planet from pollution.
But the celebrated naturalist and broadcaster now has a new ally in his battle to protect the environment – a Dundee milkman.
Kelvin Kerr uses glass bottles for his deliveries and says the family firm has seen demand surge since Sir David revealed the perils of discarded plastic to marine wildlife in the Blue Planet TV series.
The presenter, 92, has expressed his delight at the impact his documentaries are having on the dairy business.
He said: ‘I’m glad to hear it. Let’s hope they keep it up.’
To cater for the massive growth in customers who want their milk in re-usable rather than plastic containers Mr Kerr has had to take on two extra vehicles and more staff to cope. Sales have soared from around 500 pints a day to 1,600.
He said: ‘Programmes like David Attenborough’s Blue Planet have had an impact. Maybe we should deliver some to his door as a thank you.’
Mr Kerr is the fifth generation of his family to run Kerr’s Family Dairy – which delivers in Dundee, Laurencekirk and Stonehaven – since it was founded in the 1900s.
‘People have seen the impact plastic can have on the environment, so that has had an impact on sales,’ he said.
‘They are opting to buy the reusable glass bottles.
‘I’m surprised to see the upsurge in sales. Some customers say it tastes better in a glass bottle. My father and grandfather have been just as surprised by the transition.’
However, the Dundee dairy is not the only one to see rising sales in glass milk bottles.
Hamish Millar, a joint owner of the North Street Dairy in Forfar, Angus, said: ‘People in their late 30s and 40s are the ones we’ve noticed making the change.
‘These people are from generations who remember their parents getting the milk delivered to their doors.
‘I’m as amazed as Kerr’s are at the upturn in demand for glass bottles. We’ve noticed roughly a quarter increase in sales. The environmental impact has also played its part.’
He said that for the business ‘it is a cheaper option long-term as the glass bottles can be used again after they are sterilised’.
Mr Kerr added: ‘I was looking through an archived article from the local press which said we were averaging 4,800 bottles an hour an one point.
‘It would be great to get back to something like that.’