Woolworths stores across Australia banned single use plastic bags on Wednesday in a move to become greener.
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With the wheels of this change set in motion in July last year, Woolworths is proud to be removing more than 3.2 billion single-use plastic bags from circulation.
Woolworths Kempsey Store Manager, Jeremy Currell said in a press release this is something Woolworths has been working towards for a while.
“From the beginning, we felt strongly that this was the right thing to do and we’re really pleased to see customers are behind the change as well,” Mr Currell said.
The change enjoys broad support among shoppers, with a recent survey showing three-quarters (74.7%) supported the move to remove single-use plastic bags.
“This is a landmark day for our community, to help support a greener future for Australia. We are proud to say that from now on, single-use plastic bags are gone from our store for good,” Mr Currell said.
“What we’re trying to do with this change is encourage more customers to bring their own reusable bags when shopping, so we can prevent plastic bags from reaching our waterways and reduce the overall production of plastics.”
Mr Currell said this adjustment will take time in the community and urged shoppers to embrace a greener shopping experience.
“We know it may take some time for shoppers to form new habits, which is why we’ve been working hard to get the message out to local customers to remember to bring their own bags over the past few months. Putting ‘reusable bags’ at the top of your shopping list, keeping a couple in the car or leaving a post-it note on the fridge are some simple tricks that could work as a reminder.”
From now on, customers who forget to bring their own bags will have access to a range of new alternative shopping bag options, including a new 15 cent reusable bag which is made from at least 80% recycled plastic. There is also an emergency foldable bag and the Woolworths Bag for Good which are available for 99 cents.
Any money made from the sale of the Woolworths Bag for Good will fund the Junior Landcare grants program, encouraging young Australians to play an active role in ensuring the sustainable future of their environment.
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