RSPB partner with supermarket Aldi to connect more than ½ a million children with nature
ALDI'S partnership with the RSPB will
see the supermarket donate all profits from carrier bag sales throughout England
and Wales to the RSPB from July 2015.
Money raised through the 3 year partnership will allow Aldi and the RSPB to work
together to connect more than ½ a million children to nature. The activity is
set to improve children's health and well being while inspiring them to love and
understand the natural world.
Profits from Aldi's carrier bag sales in England and Wales are expected to see
the charity receive donations in excess of £2m over a three year period. The
supermarket has always charged for carrier bags since it first opened in the UK
in April 1990 in an effort to reduce its environmental impact.
In October this year, UK Government department Defra will introduce a minimum 5p
charge for single use carrier bags in a bid to reduce consumer usage and protect
the environment. The move follows similar charges that have been introduced in
Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland in recent years.
Giles Hurley, Managing Director of Corporate Buying at Aldi, commented:-
"We are proud to have been among the first supermarkets to charge for carrier
bags. This approach helps encourage responsible usage among customers and saves
them money on their shopping."
As part of its 25th anniversary celebrations, Aldi, in partnership with the RSPB,
is planning to create 25 RSPB 'Giving Nature a Home' gardens in schools. The
gardens will provide children with the opportunity for hands on learning
experiences and the ability to connect with nature. Schools will be invited to
take part in a competition to set-up the gardens.
Giles Hurley added:- "It is an honour to partner with the RSPB. They are
the UK's biggest nature conservation charity, playing an important role in
protecting our wildlife. Our partnership will leave a long-lasting legacy; a
generation of children who are connected to nature, benefit from it, value our
wildlife and care and understand enough about it to make a real difference."
Martin Harper, the RSPB's conservation director, added:- "UK wildlife is
in serious trouble. Around 60% of bees, birds, bugs and mammals are
declining and the natural places they depend on are vanishing. Exciting the next
generation about nature is vital. Our partnership with Aldi will create RSPB
Giving Nature a Home gardens in school grounds and local green spaces,
connecting more than half a million children with nature and helping turn the
fortunes of UK wildlife around.
Through engaging with communities who live, work and shop in or around Aldi
stores we can make a real difference, together."
Aldi currently charges 3p for a single use carrier bag, which will increase to
5p in July 2015. All profits generated from single use carrier bag sales in
England and Wales from July 2015 will be donated to the RSPB, followed by
donations from single use carrier bag sales in Scotland from the new year.
