David Ruffley MP has announced that he will be launching a 'plastic bag free' day in Bury St Edmunds on Saturday 10 May 2008.

David has teamed up with St Edmundsbury Borough Councillor for Abbeygate Ward, Richard Rout, to encourage retailers to use fewer plastic bags and encourage members of the public to use reusable bags.

David and Richard have ordered 500 reusable 'Green Bags' and will be distributing these for free in the Cornhill Walk Shopping Centre on Saturday 10 May between 9.30 and 10.30am.

During the day the bags will also be given out for free in place of normal bags, while stocks last, in the following retailers:

Barwells

Butterworths

Churchgate Books

Laura Ashley

Ley-Lou

Scarlet

Waterstones

David said:

'UK consumers use an estimated 10 billion plastic bags a year- that's a colossal 167 per person per year. They are difficult to recycle and non-biodegradable. Much of this waste could be cut out by using our own cloth carrier bags or so called durable 'bags for life'.

'On Saturday 10 May 2008 I will be holding a stall in Bury St Edmunds and distributing free 'Green Bags' to stop so many plastic bags going into circulation.

'Each of the 'Green Bags' is reusable and has an estimated lifespan of over two years. Local people who would like to pick up a free 'Green Bag' can come and visit our stand in the Cornhill Walk between 9.30 and 10.30am.'