Consignment store Orange Bay Company is going green with the introduction of a new Bring Your Own Bag initiative.

The Victoria Street shop has put an end to giving away shopping bags with every purchase. Instead, shoppers are asked to bring their own bag to the store, buy a paper bag for $1, or purchase a special-edition reusable shopping bag for a minimum donation of $5 with funds going towards the Coalition for the Protection of Children.

It’s part of the “Buy a Bag That Matters” campaign being sponsored by Security Associates. All proceeds from bag sales are donated to the Coalition.

Delight Morris, co-owner of Orange Bay Company, said: “We’re a consignment shop, so we’re all about recycling and repurposing. Our entire inventory is made up of high-quality items that were previously loved by another owner and which will be perfect for someone new.

“We’ve also been focused on giving back to the island’s charities since we opened our doors eight years ago. So being part of a movement to encourage recycling that also helps support the great work that the Coalition does for children and families in Bermuda just made sense to us.

“I think we all understand the problems associated with single-use bags, too. Despite best efforts, they find their way on to the roadside, on to our beaches and eventually into our oceans.

“Plastic bags are the most harmful, but the production of paper bags — even recycled paper bags — also takes massive amounts of energy and generates wastewater and pollutants. Getting rid of single-use bags in our store is one small thing we can do to help protect the environment. So far, our customers have been very understanding and supportive.”

Other local retailers and some restaurants (including Nona’s Kitchen) have also recently started charging for single-use bags to help get customers into the habit of bringing their own. This has been happening in North America and the UK on a larger scale for some time.

Ms Morris added: “It will take a little effort on everyone’s part to remember their reusable bags when they go shopping, but it’s a good habit to get into. I’m hoping that, through this initiative, we can set an example for other merchants in Bermuda.”