-
Source: ONE News -
Related
More supermarkets are about to start charging for plastic bags.
Foodstuffs has announced from August, that it is introducing a five cent charge per plastic bag at its New World, Four Square and Pak'n Save stores nationwide.
Pak'n Save stores in the North Island currently charge for plastic bags.
Foodstuffs Managing Director Tony Carter says they have made good progress since the 'Make a Difference Campaign' began in 2007 but the move is about taking the next step to reduce plastic bag consumption.
He believes customers will understand the environmental reasons for the charge.
"Foodstuffs has already reduced plastic bag use by 19% through the July 2007 launch of the 'Make a Difference Campaign', new packing techniques and sale of reusable shopping bags over the past three years," says Tony Carter, Managing Director Foodstuffs (New Zealand) limited.
"While we have made good progress with the 'Make a Difference' campaign, we now need to take the next step in dramatically reducing the consumption of plastic bags. We have looked at the overseas experience in countries such as Ireland where a charge has reduced plastic bag use by%. We have also taken into consideration the communities' opinion and it is clear that a charge for plastic bags is the best way forward," he says.
A trial conducted by the Australian National Retailers Association found there was an 80% reduction in plastic bag consumption once a charge was introduced, and that customers adapted quickly to using reusable bags.
"Foodstuffs has committed to the introduction of a five cent per bag charge, and while the aim of the charge is to drastically reduce usage in stores, we will be making a significant contribution to an environmental initiative, the details of which will be announced closer to the launch date of 3 August 2009. Over the coming months we will be working closely with all our owner-operators to ensure a smooth transition."
New World, PAK'nSAVE and Four Square stores currently offer reusable bags for sale.
How do you feel about paying for plastic bags? Have your say on our messageboard below:
Latest NZ News Video
-
NZ scores part in telescope project (1:56)
-
Rena class action lawsuit growing (2:20)
-
Thousands rally to save Cathedral (2:00)
Add a Comment:
Post new commentsiping said on 2009-09-04 @ 13:27 NZDT: Report abusive post
Most of these comments just serve to illustrate how woefully ignorant and small minded NZ people are. Do you really think this country is so clean? Wrong, it was but not now.Many countries have a blanket ban or charge for bags, Sth Aust, China, it is a global problem, not just a tiny village in a pacific country, and NZ is part of the globe and part of the problem.Just a lazy selfish group of people with their heads in the sand, get out of your hole NZ, come into the 21st century
jl555 said on 2009-09-04 @ 12:20 NZDT: Report abusive post
While 5 cents might get your attention and make you think briefly about the fact that using plastics has an impact on the environment it isn't a sufficient amount to actually counter the damage done to our planet by the production and use of each of those plastic bags. Eliminate the plastic bags altogether and pressure the manufacturers to eliminate or modify their packaging.
Rustie1 said on 2009-09-04 @ 12:02 NZDT: Report abusive post
I am disgusted that a good environmental practice has been stopped so quickly. Soon New Zealand's 'Clean Green' slogan and image will only be used as an ironic joke! As an alternative maybe Foodstuffs should try GIVING 5 cents per bag saved to those who actually care about the country? Julie
MysticCradle said on 2009-09-04 @ 11:26 NZDT: Report abusive post
We live in Taranaki, to have our recycling picked up, we are required to put it in plastic shopping bags. When I ran out of plastic bags I naturally put my recycling in the rubbish. For the sake of a few free plastic bags per person we must look at how much we are recycling with them. And how much waste are we creating with reusable bags that don't actually last that long???
Kereama said on 2009-09-04 @ 10:46 NZDT: Report abusive post
The intention was there, but not the sincerity. If the supermarkets really want to push for sustainability, they'd pressure manufacturers to use more responsible packaging of their products instead of simply stinging their customers at checkout. Many of the items those same supermarkets happily stock, are completely over-packaged. I wouldn't have a problem with the charge for plastic bags if I believed it was really for the environment, and not just a money-making scheme.