As helpful as plastic bags can be for holding our groceries, from bread and milk to the totally necessary essentials like bottles of wine and bars of chocolate, we all know there are better alternatives for the environment. According to Australian Food News, more than 3.2 billion single-use plastic bags are handed out by Woolworths in Australia each year. Yes, that’s just Woolworths, and just in Australia. We can only imagine how many are handed out worldwide, and the extent of the damage it does to flora and fauna.
But there’s good news: soon, plastic bags at Woolies supermarkets, BWS, Metro and petrol stores will be obsolete.
According to Woolworths Group Chief Executive Officer, Brad Banducci, Woolies feel strongly that the bag ban is the right thing to do. “We can start making a positive impact on the environment as quickly as possible,” he said.
However – if you forget to bring a bag, you won’t have to juggle your groceries. Woolies customers can either buy a reusable plastic bag for just 15 cents, or a canvas bag for 99 cents.
Coles, Harris Farm, Subway and more retail giants are also phasing out the use of plastic bags.
Sydney-based Hannah Oakshott is a tea-obsessed pop culture enthusiast who can usually be found showing people pictures of her two miniature schnauzers or baking sweet, lemony food. Hannah is on Instagram @hannah.mareeee