Is this the greenest shop in Harrogate?

A HARROGATE shop is putting the ‘green’ into ‘greengrocer’, by scrapping plastic bags and setting up a contract to recycle all its packaging after use.
Leng’s Grocers on Cold Bath Road stopped using plastic bags on March 31, giving customers a six day amnesty to become accustomed to the change. Anyone who brought in 10 carriers received a free cloth shopping bag.

Pete Schofield, who owns the store, said: “We were sick of plastic bags blowing around our forecourt, so we decided to do something positive.

“I thought what the people of Modbury did in banningcarrier bags was absolutely amazing. There’s no need for so many bags.

“Even if they buy just a carrot, people instantly start reaching for plastic bags.

“There’s absolutely no need for it. I genuinely believe that.”

The shop provides paper bags and wooden and plastic boxes. Customers can also buy a corn starch bag for 10p and receive a free cloth bag if they spend more than £20.

This innovation is just the latest eco-friendly measure the shop has introduced.

“Because we’re a grocer’s, we have very little packaging, but anything we give in packaging, customers can bring back,” said Mr Schofield.

“We have a contract with Leeds Paper Recycling and we recycle our cardboard as much green waste as we possibly can.”

Do you know of a local business that’s doing its bit for the environment? Tell us, by visiting our main page and clicking on the Our Greener Future tile