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Bahrain: Jawad launches nature-friendly bags

With the goal of introducing and pursuing a 'green footprint' Jawad Business Group has introduced nature-friendly, biodegradable plastic bags in its retail outlets.

"Our plastic bags will degrade within a few years without causing any environmental harm unlike ordinary plastic bags which will take around 400-1,000 years to disappear," Jawad Supermarkets Division Manager Kareem Jawad said. "We are keeping the pledge we made in March that we would stop using ordinary plastic for our bags."

The company has taken a proactive two-pronged strategy to reduce the harm on the environment. It has also introduced non-woven carrier bags in two sizes and advised customers to reduce the number of plastic bags by putting more things in them. "Over 30,000 non-woven carrier bags have been distributed to our customers since March," Angelo Rodrigo from purchasing section told the Tribune.

"We held a campaign and distributed free bags to customers based on their purchases.," Rodrigo said.

The bags will now be sold for a nominal price, Kareem said. "We hope to change customers' attitude and make them think about the environment and use nature-friendly products." The group uses about 100 tonnes of bio-degradable plastic bags annually, he said. "The first shipment of 15 tonnes was obtained from manufacturers in Bahrain. The thickness is the same as before. The difference is that the old plastic bags will harm the environment for hundreds of years."

Other supermarket chains have introduced jute bags to reduce plastic waste. One chain reportedly will reduce the quality of its plastic bags to encourage customers to use carrier bags. Batelco and Bahrain International Travels have also joined the drive. Batelco recently distributed to media recycled carrier bags with suggestion on reducing carbon footprints. The BIT presents non-woven carrier bags to customers who make travel arrangements with them.

"People have to get used to the idea of carrier bags. But the change is happening, it is reflected in the fact that one can see quite a number of people using the carrier bags in various supermarkets," Kareem said.

By Bonny Mascarenhas

© Bahrain Tribune 2008