A BUTCHER has introduced a new biodegradable paper bag to help the environment.

Mark Lowe is fast approaching the first anniversary of moving his Millard and Lowe butcher’s business into the farm shop at Hare Hatch Sheeplands near Twyford.

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Keen to play his own part in helping the environment, he has introduced the new bag which seals in freshness, is freezable and leak proof.

However, the bag is only available for his over the counter customers and so Mr Lowe is encouraging people to spend more time talking to him about it.

He said: “A lot of our meat products are taken straight off the shelf but those have to be in plastic wrapping because nothing environmentally friendly has yet been invented that will allow us to dispense with plastic for off the shelf products.”

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Mark says that it is mainly his older customers, who can still recall the concept of the friendly family butcher, that come to the counter to do their shopping and seek his help and advice.

He explained: “Younger customers, used to the convenience store, tend to take product straight from the shelf in the plastic containers we are still forced to use.

“Sometimes they look along the shelves then just walk away without taking anything.

“If they came to the counter I could help them find what they are looking for.”

He pointed out “biodegradable bags don’t stay in landfill for up to 2,000 years like plastic does”.

He said: “I have been a butcher for nearly 39 years and I love giving help and advice to customers if they come to the counter and talk to me.

“Every time they do that, they can get the new paper bag which means it’s one less plastic bag going out to harm the environment.

“There’s growing interest in the new bags and If more customers use them it would certainly be environmentally friendly.”