With a rumour that Alistair Darling will introduce a plastic bag tax in his budget tomorrow and Marks & Spencer becoming the first retailer in the country to charge for its throwaway bags, the green credentials of UK retailers has never been higher on the editorial agenda.
M&S’s pledge was quickly followed by similar announcements from Debenhams and Woolworths. Whilst the former received reams positive coverage, others have seen significantly diminished PR returns. The implementation of a plastic bag policy by any retailer is to be applauded for the positive environmental ramifications it will surely have. But companies must be aware that they cannot expect the level of coverage that M&S achieved simply by following suit.
The message to any business with green aspirations is clear: if you want to make a big PR impact with any CSR initiative make sure you’re first to pull it off. Hannah Walsh, Van Communications
