Shoppers flocked to this week’s Farmers’ Market in Huntingdon (Friday 18 July) to be one of the first two hundred to get their hands on a new sustainable shopping bag.

The reusable cotton shopping bags have a distinctive design on both sides, showing the Farmers’ Market’s historic backdrop in Huntingdon’s Market Square.  Following the promotional giveaway they will be sold at their cost price of 80p to help ensure that their supply is as sustainable as their usage.

While bags for life are a new trend for major retail outlets, this is an established tradition for Huntingdon Farmers’ Market, and many customers can still be seen using the first series of cotton bags launched in 2003 – evidence of the sustainability of using cotton bags instead of plastic carriers. 

“Our customers at Huntingdon Farmers’ Market are concerned about protecting the environment as well as buying quality fresh food at a fair price” said Councillor Colin Hyams, Huntingdonshire District Council’s executive councillor for operational and countryside services.  “Using cotton bags which last for years is a smart way of cutting down on waste, packaging and carbon emissions.” 

The cotton bags also promote Godmanchester Community Nursery, run by Huntingdonshire District Council which offers an opportunity for local people and schools to get involved in reducing food miles by growing their own fruit and vegetables.

The award-winning certified farmers’ market is held every other Friday in the Market Square from 8am to 2pm.