November 15/09
Comox Valley Bag Free Campaign off to the Races!

'Phase One' of the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce business-led campaign to dramatically reduce single use bags in the Comox Valley is officially a success! Over 84,000 bags have been ordered by over 61 participating businesses, organizations, schools and agencies. These durable, reusable, washable 100% recycled bags feature a unique Comox Valley design generously contributed by InFocus Design and Publishing.

"Phase One of this campaign was to secure business and agency participation in the exciting concept of dramatically reducing single use plastic bags in the Comox Valley. These businesses expressed their commitment through participating in the bulk bag purchase. We have been overwhelmed by the interest and enthusiasm from the community. From colleges, elementary schools, realtors and recreation centers to grocery stores, specialty retailers, resorts and building suppliers - we have a very diverse base of participation in this campaign." says Jeff Lucas, Chamber 2nd Vice President and chair of the Bag Free initiative.

Next steps for the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce is the development of the public and community campaign to promote awareness of the initiative and to encourage individual consumers to change their shopping behaviour. With support from organizations including the Comox Valley Regional District and local media, the Chamber will embark on a publicity and educational campaign in early 2009 that will recognize these "Green Business Leaders" in our community and encourage consumers to support their efforts in order to make a positive impact on our local landfill - and on the wider environment.

"We have always been focused on this being a business-led initiative", say Lucas. "We want to see retailers and consumers working together to make the right choices for a green community and a sustainable future. Instead of the more heavy-handed approach of taxation and by-laws, we wanted to encourage our community and our members to do the right thing for the right reasons and so far we have been quite inspired by the results. We now have 61 progressive retailers committed to making a re-usable bag the first option for customers."

Participating businesses for the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce Bag Free Campaign are:

Grocers, Malls and Drugstores: Thrifty Foods, Safeway, Quality Foods, Wal-Mart, London Drugs, Seeds Natural Food Market, McGavins Bread Basket, Driftwood Mall and Edible Island

Resorts and Accommodations: Ocean Resort, Kingfisher Oceanside Resort & Spa, Mount Washington Alpine Resort, Shantz Haus Hostel

Media: Island Radio Group (Eagle FM) and Jet FM

Hardware and Building Supplies: Canadian Tire, Home Deport, Slegg Lumber, Central Builders, Midland Tools, Windsor Plywood

Recreation, Agencies and Non Profits: Comox Valley Regional District, Comox Recreation, Comox Airforce Museum, Courtenay Elementary School, Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce, Cumberland Chamber of Commerce, Coastal Community Credit Union, Downtown Courtenay BIA, Comox Business in Action, North Island College, Vancouver Island MusicFest

Liquor Stores: Leeward Liquor Store, Waverly Liquor Store, Westerly Liquor Store, Whistle Stop Liquor Store.

Farm and Animal: Black Creek Farm and Feed, Woofy's and Petland

Specialty Retailers, Services and Suppliers: Arbutus Arts-Fords Cove, Coast Realty, Rehabilitation in Motion, Mid Island Gifts, Ablaze Metal Art, Aero Art Screen Printing, Cody & Company, FireFly-New Beginnings, A Gentler Time, Glenn's Imports, The Green Room, Hi-Tec/Brazen Printing, I-Hos Gallery, Inspired Spaces by Harbour Kitchens, Jan's Travel Centre, My Tech Guys, the Potters Place, Samson Eco Clean, Sound Advice Music Shop, Green Spirit Accupuncture, Rusty Rooster Home Furnishings, Village Yarn Shop.

Stay tuned for educational and promotional events and information in the new year as our community takes the next step together towards a bag free Valley! Check out the Chamber of Commerce website for details at www.comoxvalleychamber.com or call 250-334-3234.