Côte Saint-Luc library introduces new reusable bags

Côte Saint-Luc, October 3, 2007 – Patrons of the Eleanor London Côte Saint-Luc Public Library can now purchase for $2 reusable bags to carry away their books and DVDs and are also good for shopping.

“I am happy to be able to offer library patrons a reusable bag,” Mayor Anthony Housefather said. “Our current council continues to do our utmost to make Côte Saint-Luc an example for other environment-friendly communities.”

In 2007, Côte Saint-Luc launched recycling collection in apartment buildings and condos, started an organic waste collection pilot project, sold backyard composters, gave away free biodegradable plastic bags for leaf collection, passed an anti-idling bylaw, switched to low-sulphur diesel fuel in municipal vehicles, organized a volunteer clean-up day and collected more than 6.5 tonnes of household hazardous waste. The new reusable bags are the latest green initiative in Côte Saint-Luc.

“It is estimated that a traditional plastic bag can take several hundred years to decompose,” said Councillor Dida Berku, who is the councillor responsible for environmental issues. “We need to reduce the number of plastic bags we use as individuals. We can all do our part to reduce our environmental impact.”

The new reusable bags are blue and feature the library logo on the front and the website address on the side. The bags are long-lasting and are made from non-woven polypropylene, which can be cleaned using a machine machine’s gentle cycle. The bag can be recycled when no longer needed.

“I visited many homes this year and got the sense that residents truly want to do more on environmental issues,” said Councillor Steven Erdelyi, who is the councillor responsible for the library. “This city council has done a lot this year for the environment and again made Côte Saint-Luc a leader on the island of Montreal.”

The Eleanor London Côte Saint-Luc Public Library is open from 10am to 10pm every day of the year. The library is located at 5851 Cavendish Blvd.

Attn editors: Hi-resolution image of bag available at:

http://www.cotesaintluc.org/files/u1/library/images/CSL_library_bag_2007.jpg

For more information: Darryl Levine, Director of Public Affairs and Communications, 514-485-8905, dlevine@cotesaintluc.org