Fife-based trial has single-use plastic reduction in the bag

A trial in Cardenden which urged locals to switch from plastic bags to environmentally friendly alternatives has been hailed a huge success.

Anecdotal evidence from shoppers and shopkeepers in the village suggests people have taken to the compostable bag trial, which took place in the summer months with the backing of Purvis Group, RWE, Fife Council and the local community council.

Local SNP councillor Rosemary Liewald said the trial has shown how consumers can tackle the massive issue of single-use plastics – and praised the Co-op for its decision this week to begin phasing out all of its single-use plastics with biodegradable alternatives.

“The resounding opinion of our retail outlet managers and the shoppers in Cardenden is that they all want to do their bit to cut down on the use of these plastics,” she said.

“They can see the damage that is has caused. With companies such as Veg Ware who supplied the bags for the trial and others of this nature now beginning to have a higher profile locally it is hoped that our retail users will switch to the likes of these as their first choice supplier.”

Cardenden Community Council chairman Dave Roy added: “The community of Cardenden were more than happy to assist and support this trial. We can see the impact and the detrimental effect that the use of plastics is having on our environment, therefore at local level we can all send the message out that switching to biodegradable bags and other products is the way to go.

“Cardenden has shown that this is possible and we encourage other communities to follow on from this example.”