Letters from Carole

Dear Terry Leahy

Re Watchdog Item and Plastic Bags

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/watchdog/2010/09/snag_for_tesco_bags.html

Recognising that you may pass this down the line, I hope you will take the trouble to read it first. With regard to the above, I wanted to say that it is a pity that Tesco's efforts weren't recognised - the Watchdog item wasn't really fair. You have made the effort to reduce the weight of your bags and they are now degradable, suitable for the odd item if you forget a bag, but not suitable for a main shop. Presumably if you're shopping for more things, you're grown up and should be bringing your own bag - the message has been out there long enough.

But I recognise your commercial constraints, you can't afford to alienate your customers. Could I please make the following suggestions:

Print the lightweight bags with a message to say that :

Tesco has been listening to customers and is trying. This bag is lightweight and degradable, suitable for the odd item when you're not doing a big shop.

Print something different on the bags for life (which are still plastic but at least you are charging for them), like (and you could vary the slogans)

Responsible parent - protecting the planet for my children by reusing this bag

Responsible grandparent - protecting the planet for my grandchildren by reusing this bag

Or something. You must have a whole department devoted to thinking up snappy slogans to get a message across.

And finally, where are all those boxes that used to be at the checkout? They reduce the take up of bags, and the boxes are collected with waste paper at the other end.

So, we appreciate the effort Tesco, but you could do better. You are big, you could - and should - be seen to be a leader on this issue.

I write as a member of Ham United Group and GreeneruponThames, both organisations working to reduce the take up of plastic bags. Check us out!

Thank you for your attention, and I hope that someone will consider these suggestions.