New shopping bag on cards

supermarkets has found an environmentally friendly alternative.
Spar group of supermarkets will soon unveil a biodegradable shopping bag – which is also reusable – that they hope would meet the conditions of the Environmental Management Agency.
The move has received an overwhelming response from various environmental stakeholders.
Biodegradable items are products that can decompose and can be easily absorbed into the ecosystem.
According to Spar brand manager Ms Nicole Ambrose, the company fully supports the exercise of greening the environment.
“We are fully behind the initiative of greening our country thus we have decided to participate in this way.
“Calls have always been made and I think it’s high time various stakeholders heed the call,” she said.
Ms Ambrose said they had also involved children as a way of educating them.
“We have also thought it wise to involve children in the programme by asking them to compete in drawing up an environmental logo which will act as a logo for the company and bag,” said Ambrose.
Ms Ambrose said the sample would soon be submitted to EMA for assessment and approval.
EMA spokesperson Mr Steady Kangata said they were encouraged by efforts made by stakeholders like Spar as it helps in saving the environment.
“According to the Environmental Act, the bag should be brought to EMA for assessment as most biodegradable products are made of a variety of additives. Those additives have to be environmentally friendly,” said Mr Kangata.
Meanwhile, a local energy company has also taken the initiative of encouraging Zimbabwe to preserve energy by introducing a solar lantern.
The lantern was unveiled at the just-ended environmental expo and was presented to Vice President John Landa Nkomo, who was the guest of honour.
The lantern has an integrated solar panel with battery lifespan of at least three years.
Zim Energy public relations executive Ms Caroline Tapfumaneyi said the lantern was imported from Hong Kong.
“The lantern is made of recyclable plastic and it gives 360 degrees of light, it has two light settings, the highest being four continuous hours without reducing its light intensity,” said Ms Tapfumaneyi.