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David Attenborough’s Blue Planet II TV series did much to raise awareness of the damage being done to wildlife and the environment by waste plastic items, and moves are being made in many retail areas to try and restrict its use. An environmentally-friendly


motion, supported by all parties, was recently passed by Trafford Council in Greater Manchester to phase out single-use plastic for the next two years – but a local market there is already ahead of the game. After researching how plastic was dealt with by the council, Altrincham Market House co-owner Jenny Thompson has made some major changes to the business’ supply chain in a bid to cut down on non- recyclable plastic waste. The number of plastic bags


used at Market House has been significantly reduced, and free tap water is now being provided to discourage people from buying bottled water. Ms Thompson told local media: “We used to get drinks delivered in plastic but we’ve found that a lot of the plastic in Trafford is burned for energy. “To counter this, we’ve decided to try and reduce the amount of plastic that we buy. We now buy drinks in either aluminium or glass, which are both recycled.” For products such as milk


used at the coffee shop and olives for the food stalls, the market has dispensed with the usual plastic bottles and tubs, and these items are now delivered in larger, singular plastic bags. Ms Thompson added:


“We’ve been able to influence the supply chain by warning that we’re not going to buy them anymore unless they change the way they supply the products, and it’s worked. “Our kitchens buy a lot


of fruit and vegetables from people in Manchester who grow within 35 miles radius of here, and it’s all locally produced. They bring the vegetables in hard plastic crates that fold down and they take back, which is great because there’s not even any cardboard waste there.” Ms Thompson also


described how bread makers at the market, Lovingly


ISSN 2057–6781 Drastic action on plastic (Photo: Mike Carney) Drastic action on plastic Altrincham Market House (Photo: ndl642m)


Artisan, can now extend the usable life of their packaging. “Instead of them delivering the bread in cardboard and us recycling the boxes each time, they can now use their higher-grade boxes 12 times before we have to recycle them.


“It’s reusing before recycling which is the best possible solution.” Altrincham Ward councillor


Geraldine Coggins, leader of the Green Party Group, told local media: “There are still a million plastic bottles made a minute across the world. The scale of it is really mind-blowing. It takes


pioneers like Jenny to show that businesses can make a difference. “We want to enable individuals and businesses to tread more lightly and leave less of a trail of waste without it coming at a cost to them. We need to design ways to affect the supply chain and put the cost on the suppliers, just like Jenny has done.” Fellow Green Part y councillor Daniel Jerrome added: “People know that as consumers, they can encourage businesses to do better. I think more people do want businesses, the council and suppliers to really take


up the battle and reduce their plastic.” The two councillors agreed


that Altrincham Market’s reduction of plastic usage was “a brilliant example of what can be done”. Altrincham has recently


become one of Greater Manchester’s most talked about foodie destinations, thanks in no small part to the transformation of its Grade II listed Market House, with other markets across the UK citing it as an inspiration for their own future plans. Sitting next to the town’s


19th century covered market, the hall is now home to a


number of independent food and drink outlets housed behind Victorian-style shop fronts, surrounding a 180- seater dining area. A £175,000 refurbishment of the Market House was completed in 2014.


www.market-trader.co.uk NOVEMBER 9 - 22, 2018 No. 4939 70p


INSIDE... Page 3


New festive event for Lichfield


Page 10


Fur ban looks likely at Cambridge market


Page 20


Big plans for Bradford market


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