HSBC Bank of Bermuda bagged all its staff this month and they begged for more. Each of the bank’s 1,100 employees was given a canvas bag as part of its environmentally friendly policy. Organisers of the bag giveaway said the response was enthusiastic with a host of staff complaining that they were only given one. So another 1,100 were ordered and distributed.

“We hope the employees will use the canvas bags when shopping instead of using paper grocery bags and thereby help to save trees, reduce air and water pollution and acid rain,” said bank spokesperson Kim Wheddon.

The sought after Live Green bags are made from recycled soda bottle material and Ecotec|0x99| — a blended cotton yarn produced from the excess fabric of newly made clothing. “This unique manufacturing process saves land, energy and water,” said Ms Wheddon.

The bags were given out as part of the Live Green initiative at the bank.

The programme is run by a committee of eight representatives from key areas within the bank. They meet regularly to foster a heightened level of environmental awareness and practice amongst employees.

“This group has implemented a series of environmental initiatives throughout 2006 with many more scheduled for 2007, focusing on both internal and external practices,” said Ms Wheddon.