Thames21 and Applejacks announce partnership

23 June 2009

Thames21 and Applejacks have formed a unique partnership aimed at encouraging more people to be aware of plastic bag litter in East London.

The Stratford-based award-winning health food store will donate a profit towards Thames21 for every plastic shopping bag sold in their store.

Thames21 – London’s leading waterways charity – works with over 4,000 volunteers every year to clean-up and improve London’s waterway areas. Hundreds of thousands of plastic bags are removed from the banks for the River Thames every year with the Isle of Dogs being one of the worst affected river foreshores in the capital.

It is hoped this initiative will inspire more local, independent retailers to do the same with a chosen charity of their choice relevant to either their location or their ethics as a business. Not only will this succeed in helping reduce the amount of plastic bags that are used and that could end up littering the neighbourhood, but will also help to give something back to the local area and community.

Debbie Leach, Chief Executive, Thames21 commented:
“We’ve already seen a number of the larger supermarkets take action over this issue, and we’re delighted that smaller retailers are now encouraging people to re-use plastic bags or consider alternatives.
Our work with volunteers throughout London’s waterways highlights the massive problem plastic litter, and in particular ‘disposable’ plastic bags, can cause for the environment. With some experts saying it can take up to 1,000 years for plastic bags to be broken down in the sea, we should be encouraging people to act responsibly to reduce and hopefully eradicate plastic litter.”

Robert Stevenson, Store Manager, Applejacks commented:
“As a keen sailor at the Royal Victoria Docks, the environment that we use for recreation is very close to my heart. Initiatives that help support and protect that environment are always welcome, and we are very pleased to support Thames21.”

[ENDS]

For more information, images and interviews,
please contact James Aldous (Marketing Manager)
James.aldous@thames21.org.uk / 07827 352675

Notes to editors:
Thames21 is an environmental charity working to bring London’s waterways to life.  Dirty rivers and canals reduce the quality of life for all, harm and kill wildlife, damage the environment and drive people away from vital open spaces. London’s rivers and canals are precious natural resources providing green spaces for urban communities and habitats for wildlife.

Each year, with the help of around 4,000 volunteers, Thames21 removes over 1,000 tonnes of harmful litter from the River Thames, its tributaries and the canal network. Thames21 is supported by, and works closely with, the Port of London Authority, Thames Water, Environment Agency, Corporation of London, Encams and British Waterways. www.thames21.org.uk

Applejacks Health Food Store is located in Stratford shopping mall, East London. Applejacks won the ‘Retailer of the Year’ Award in Stratford in 2004 and has been trading for almost 20 years. Applejacks, 28 The Mall, Stratford, London E15 1XD. Tel: 020 8519 5809 www.applejacks.co.uk