Coles To Stop Selling Plastic Shopping Bags In June

Supermarket giant Coles has announced it will stop selling all soft-plastic shopping bags in-store and online by the end of next month.

The company has said ending the sale of the 15c plastic bags will cut an estimated 230 million plastic bags from circulation in Australia each year. The move comes just weeks after Coles' major competitor Woolworths announced it would stop selling soft-use plastic bags by June.

Coles stop selling plastic bags to encourage own reusable bag

Coles has been selling soft-plastic shopping bags single-use plastic carry bags were phased out at checkouts in 2018, Group Chief Operations and Sustainability Officer Matt Swindells has said customers will now be primarily encouraged to bring their own bags.

"The most sustainable option is to bring your own reusable bag to the supermarket, but for those who forget, we will continue to sell 100 percent recycled paper bags that can be recycled kerbside, as well as other reusable options," he said.

"The 100 percent recycled paper bags have been tested for use and we're confident they can hold up to six kilos of goods." The recycled paper bags cost 25c, while reusable tote bags and chiller bags will also be for sale for $1 and $2.50. From next week, paper bags will be used for home delivery and Click&Collect orders.

What is a reusable shopping bag?

Reusable shopping bags are bags that are designed to be used multiple times, as opposed to single-use bags that are typically used once and then discarded. They are often made from durable materials like cloth, canvas, jute, or recycled materials such as recycled plastic or paper. Reusable shopping bags come in various shapes, sizes, and designs, and they are a more sustainable alternative to single-use bags.

Using reusable shopping bags is a simple and effective way to make a positive environmental impact by reducing waste, conserving resources, and minimizing pollution. It's a small change that can collectively make a significant difference in creating a more sustainable future.

Reasons why using reusable shopping bags is beneficial:

Reusable shopping bags help reduce the consumption of single-use bags, such as plastic or paper bags. Single-use bags contribute to pollution, waste, and litter. By using reusable shopping bags, you can minimize the amount of plastic or paper waste that ends up in landfills, oceans, and other natural environments. Reusable shopping bags require fewer resources to produce compared to single-use bags. For instance, plastic bags are made from non-renewable fossil fuels, and paper bags require trees to be cut down. By using reusable shopping bags, we can conserve resources and reduce our reliance on finite materials.

The production of single-use bags requires energy for manufacturing and transportation. Reusable shopping bags, on the other hand, can be used multiple times, reducing the need for continuous production. This results in energy savings and a lower carbon footprint. Reusable shopping bags are generally sturdier and more durable than single-use bags. They are designed to withstand multiple uses and heavy loads, making them more practical for carrying groceries, shopping, or any other items. Additionally, many reusable bags have features like reinforced handles, compartments, or insulation, adding to their functionality. While reusable bags may have a higher upfront cost than single-use bags, they can save you money in the long run. Some stores offer incentives, such as discounts or loyalty points, for bringing your own bags.

By using reusable bags, you can avoid the fees often associated with single-use bags, which can add up over time.

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