The 5p plastic bag charge was introduced in Scotland in October 2014. This charge was first created for environmental purposes, and the money raised was intended to finance national projects as well as local initiatives. In Scotland, Asda has partnered with Social Investment Scotland (SIS) to redistribute the carrier bag funds to various community projects. So far, just over a year after the charge was introduced in Scotland, Asda and SIS have financed nearly £700,000 worth of grants and loans to 160 local charities and community plans. In the meantime, the use of plastic carrier bags has dropped by 90%.
The last round of funding enabled SIS to provide £172,000 in loans to several initiatives: the Leith Theatre renovation in Edinburgh, the Bay Tree Community Café, Highland Perthshire Media and Venture Mor. More good causes will benefit from the funding through Foundation Scotland, which received half the proceeds to help nominated plans around Asda stores in Scotland.
"Our stores are often the cornerstone of the communities we serve and we’re committed to ensuring that this policy has long-term social, as well as environmental, benefits" said Allan Miller, Senior Director for Asda Scotland. "It’s fantastic to see the huge number of Scottish community groups and social enterprises that have benefited from the £700,000 proceeds raised over the last year and I can’t wait to see what’s next."
Photo: Asda news
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