Wednesday, May 29th was the first distribution day of the “BAG IT FORWARD” reusable bag program in Margate, NJ. Local retailers and other Margate businesses received the bags as part of a new program from the Margate Business Association (MBA) in cooperation with the City of Margate and our member businesses. These re-useable, recyclable, cloth shopping bags will be offered to Margate shoppers Free of Charge. The only provision is that patrons either re-use them themselves or give one to a friend …. BAG IT FORWARD! Bags will also be given out to riders in Le Tour de Downbeach, June 2 , Thrilling Thursday Moonlight Movies and Beachstock The Planet’s Biggest Beach Party, June 29. (While supplies last.)
In an effort to step up the level of the business community’s stewardship of our beautiful city and the waters surrounding it, participating merchants will be distributing up to 20,000 of these re-useable, recyclable fabric shopping bags which can potentially replace over 100,000 single use plastic bags in our community. Margate Mayor Michael was on hand for the distribution process, “ This outstanding program is another great step towards the elimination of plastic bag use”, said Becker.
“BAG IT FORWARD provides a “Green” alternative that does not cost either the shopper or the businesses any additional money, without the need for local legislation, said Ed Berger, President of the MBA. “Wawa on Washington Ave. will be producing and distributing 5,000 of the Bag It Forward Bags as well, rolling out in mid June, and we are thrilled they have joined us”. Volunteers and MBA staff met at the Colmar Home Center and The UPS Store warehouse on
Essex Avenue to sort, load trucks and cars and distribute to local retailers and businesses. MBA Board member and owner of Colmar Home Center and The UPS Store Michael Collins said, “We are happy and proud to be a part of the MBA and this program to eliminate plastic bags from our city our beaches and our waters.”
The introductory programs primary sponsors include, Dr. Joseph Berretone (Down Beach Dental), Tomatoe’s Restaurant & Done, Colmar Hardware, and Wawa. Also sponsoring are Sunny Sunoco, Two Cents Plain, Margate Dairy Bar and Burger, Hot Bagels, Kidrageous, Playgroups Plus, Hot Bagels & More, Dinos Subs & Pizza and Maynards Café & Starlite Garden.
Additional underwriters will be added as the program gains momentum so the MBA can continue distribution indefinitely as more of our member re-new and join in.
Photo Credits Wendy Sotera:
(1) Lucy loves her picture on the “Bag It Forward” bag, as visitors proudly display the Free eco friendly bag.
(2) Margate Business Association volunteers and staff, eco friendly reusable “Bag It Forward” bags at the Colmar Home Center warehouse. Wally Korzeniewski, Lee Rothblatt, Anna Maria Courter, Michael Collins, Tom Collins
(3) Christina of Christina’s is ready to give out “Bag It Forward’ bags.
(4) Members at the Martin Bloom Pavilion , excited to receive a “Bag It Forward” bag.
A big thank you to our newest round of sponsors, because of them we are able to produce 2,250 more bags for our community to share! By covering the cost of these incredibly durable, long lasting reusable bags Margate is majorly reducing the use of plastic bags which has a huge impact on our environment, local and beyond!
