Love Hackney, Shop Local - Limited edition James Long tote bags up-for-grabs in Hackney shops
Shopping locally is set to get even better this month with the release of a limited edition designer tote bag, which can be picked-up for free in 34 local shops across Hackney
As part of the Love Hackney Shop Local campaign - aimed at encouraging people to shop and support local businesses - the bag, created by top local designer James Long, will be available to pick-up at businesses across the borough from the 25 October.
The reusable tote bags will be given free to shoppers when they make a purchase in one of the participating local stores. The fabric bag can be used as an alternative to plastic bags, which are harmful to the environment and in many cases, cannot be recycled. Plastic bags take up to 1,000 years to degrade and an estimated eight billion plastic bags are thrown away in the every year.
Each participating shop has signed-up to the Love Hackney Shop Local pledge, which means shop staff will not provide plastic carrier bags automatically and will offer reusable bags as an alternative.
The Love Hackney tote bags have been designed for the campaign by Hackney based fashion designer James Long, who has presented works at London Fashion Week and is known internationally with his clothing being worn by Pharrell Williams, Usher and London-based rapper Tinie Tempah.
By shopping in a local store you will be supporting local businesses, helping them to grow, become successful and employ local residents. With the new ‘Love Hackney Shop Local’ tote bag you will also be helping the environment by reusing a cotton bag as an alternative to plastic that in many cases cannot be recycled and can last for up to 1,000 years.
Living and working in Hackney means I spend a lot of time here and I am proud to support the amazing local businesses and people that make Hackney what it is. The mix of people and styles is a constant source of inspiration, it's a place that is constantly moving and evolving. It feels like an exciting neighbourhood to live and work in and I love it.
To see a full list of local shops where the bag can be found, please visit the Love Hackney, Shop Local website.
