The use of disposable plastic bags is in steep decline as shoppers in their thousands switch to permanent shopping bags in the United Kingdom, according to Tesco. Tesco, the leading UK retailer, has reported that customers have saved a staggering two billion carrier bags since Green Clubcard Points were launched in August 2006. The Green Clubcard Points system, which operates like a loyalty rewards system whereby consumers are awarded points for “putting the environment first”, has been... ...Read more »

Coles has announced a scheme to encourage consumers to return plastic bags to their stores to celebrate Landcare Week (1-7 September). For each plastic shopping bag returned to Coles throughout September, the retailer will donate money towards the Junior Landcare School Garden Grant program - a nationwide initiative that allows schools, kindergartens and community groups to develop environmental projects such as water-efficient gardens. Coles Environment Manager, Paul Lang, believes Junior Landcare... ...Read more »

Marks & Spencer announced yesterday that it has achieved an 80% reduction in the total number of food carrier bags used since the UK-wide launch of carrier bag charging in early May. The company reports that such a figure means that M&S customers have used about 70 million less plastic bags in the last ten weeks alone. With all profits from the 5p charge going to charity, in the same period, over £200,000 has been raised for M&S’ environmental charity partner, Groundwork. The money... ...Read more »

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission today released a decision proposing to grant authorisation to the Australian National Retailers Association (ANRA) to conduct a four-week trial of a 10c charge for lightweight plastic shopping bags. The trial is proposed to take place at Coles Supermarkets, Woolworths Supermarkets and IGA retailers in Narre Warren, Wangaratta and Warrnambool in Victoria. The pilot program, conceived in consultation with the Victorian Government, is proposed... ...Read more »

Peak retail industry body, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA), cautioned that the proposed trial to test a levy on plastic bags at three supermarket locations in Victoria was not addressing the real issue of litter management. The Victorian Government announced yesterday that a levy of 10 cents will be enforced in three locations from August, with Coles, Safeway and IGA to participate in the one month trial. ARA Executive Director Richard Evans said the proposed four week plastic bag levy... ...Read more »

A proposed trial to test a 10 cent charge on plastic bags is planned to start in August at three locations in Victoria, CEO of the Australian National Retailers Association (ANRA) Margy Osmond said today. ANRA and the Victorian Government today announced that an application to authorise the trial of a temporary charge on plastic bags has been submitted to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. Trial authorisation is required under the Trade Practices Act as it will involve retailers... ...Read more »

The issue of plastic bags has been the source of great debate over recent years with some calling for a blanket ban or levy to discourage use. In April, the idea of a levy was discussed at a meeting of State and Federal Environment Ministers but was dismissed due to concerns it might be unfair to households already struggling with rising interest rates and inflation. The Australian Greens Party has since introduced legislation to the senate to apply a 25c levy on plastic bags. According to the Greens,... ...Read more »

Morrisons, the UK’s fourth biggest grocery retailer, is hoping to reduce the number of plastic bags given out in their stores by 50 million with the launch of a campaign to provide 10 million free reusable bags to their customers. From Monday, May 19th, the UK supermarket chain will give away the reusable bags - made from 100% recycled material and larger than standard bags. The new initiative, timed to coincide with the build up to the busy Bank Holiday weekend, will also see shoppers... ...Read more »

Legislation to apply a 25c levy on plastic bags was introduced to the senate by the Australian Greens Party yesterday. According to the Greens, similar laws have resulted in reducing plastic bag use by up to 90% in countries like Ireland. The proposed legislation follows a meeting of State and Federal Environment Ministers last month, which discussed the potential for a national plastic bag levy. The idea of a levy was discounted due to concerns it might be unfair to households already... ...Read more »

Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett has announced there will be no national levy adopted on plastic bags following a meeting with state and territory ministers in Melbourne today. The levy was considered to be unfair on households already struggling to cope with rising interest rates and inflation. However, Mr Garrett identified the need for change and claimed that state governments will be working harder with retailers to ensure that there is increased action to reduce the use... ...Read more »