The City of Athens will begin a drive in March to remove plastic bags from shops and replace them with bags made from materials that are less harmful to the environment.

Athens Mayor Nikitas Kaklamanis revealed the initiative yesterday as he announced that the Greek capital has become a member of the C40 cities, founded by London Mayor Ken Livingstone with the aim of coordinating efforts made by cities across the world to tackle global warming and climate change. Athens is the 39th member of C40 and Kaklamanis is convinced that membership could help Athens improve its environmental record.

“For us, the most important element of this cooperation is the development and introduction of a comprehensive, long-term action plan to protect the environment and tackle climate change,” he said.

C40 manager Simon Reddy insisted that the organization can bring tangible results.

“C40 is not a talk shop; it is all about delivery… members must deliver,” he said.