Allez écolo… |10 February 2017

It was September of last year when the cabinet of ministers approved the ban on plastic bags, plates, cups, cutleries and Styrofoam boxes such as used in take-away outlets. The ban became effective on January 1 2017.

The law was an ecologically sound decision which aimed to lessen our consumption of these fossil fuel products and followed in the footsteps of countries like Mauritius and France.

In accordance to this ban businesses and retailers have until July 2017 to use up their current stocks of plastic materials and find alternatives.

To help in this endeavour Hampers & Gifts by 5Ms – a small family enterprise headed by Maria Thomas – is offering an alternative to plastic bag.

Given that going green is easier said than done in a society so accustomed with the consumption of plastic bags, Ms Thomas has introduced a range of custom imprinted eco-bags for customers’ use.

Hamper & Gifts by 5 Ms offers two types of eco bags:  imported non-woven bags from Asia and canvas bag which Ms Thomas sews herself.

Items available as of now are beverage tote bags, big non-woven shopping bags, canvas tote bags, drawstring bags, foldable handbags and small gift bags.

Businesses or individuals that opt for Ms Thomas’ eco-bags will have the option of imprinting their logos and photographs on these bags in either black and white or colour.

“Right now, our targeted demographic are small businesses,” Ms Thomas explained.

“If they opt for my imprinted bags it will give them the opportunity to advertise their businesses while adhering to the new environmental ban.”

The cheapest wholesale price for one bag currently stands at 30 rupees although Ms Thomas has acknowledged that the price might rise after July if demand on the products increases.

Hampers & Gifts by 5 Ms can be found online on their website and on Facebook.