The Italian authorities have announced the launch of the Reusable Bag Challenge, aiming to encourage shoppers to use reusable bags, after the success of a similar scheme in Colorado.
The challenge is open to towns with populations of between 8,000 and 16,000 inhabitants. The participants will tally the purchases made without the use of single-use bags in the stores taking part for a six month period, and the community that obtains the highest reduction of disposable bags will win €20,000.
The event is part of Porta la Sporta (bring your bag), an environmental project launched in 2009.