What's Happening Nationally
Governments are currently working in conjunction with retailers to phase-out single-use plastic bags by the end of 2008. If you don't have plastic bag alternatives ready to go in your store by this date, you'll be left behind.
If you are a retailer selling food products, you will need to consider food safety, hygiene and cross-contamination issues when considering alternatives to light-weight plastic bags. Consider replacing lightweight plastic bags with paper bags, biodegradable bags or other options (like barrier bags) if it is practical for your business, and aim to reduce your store's use of plastic bags.
Plastic bag use, other than for food and safety reasons, is an unnecessary use of resources and sends a negative environmental message that can lead to a loss of customer loyalty.
By acting now, you'll have plenty of time to explore the alternatives, choose the right one for your business, cut your plastic bag costs and start marketing your actions to your customers and the media.
Governments are currently working with retailers to phase out single-use plastic bags by the end of 2008.
Many retailers have taken the initiative to reduce plastic shopping bags by actively promoting the use of alternative bags – others have lead community education campaigns to help their shoppers understand why we need to change the way people carry their shopping and stop using plastic bags.
NOW IS THE TIME FAR ALL RETAILERS TO ACT
Bag Smart with the assistance of the Department of Environment and Heritage offer retailers an retailers kit which include a CD Rom for staff training and merchandising
– see here for more details
SPECIAL OFFER TO 30/6/06
Thanks to the financial support form the Department of Environment and Heritage this kit is available free to all retailers in Western Australian retailer until 30/6/06 or when current stocks run out
