Those already using alternative ways to carry their shopping

• These people need to be encouraged and supported
• Simple things like staff offering supportive comments “Great to see you bringing back these bags” etc
• Offering customers rewards and incentives to bring their alternative bags etc…could be link to a loyalty program

Those who need to be persuaded to change the way they carry their shopping

• Staff helping customers through the initial awkwardness of using alternative bags (they don’t know how to do it in the first instance)
• Staff engaging customers in the decision of how they will carry their shopping. E.g. “Will you be using your own bags today?”

Both target groups can be supported by store merchandising and establishing the shopping environment where carrying your shopping by means other than plastic bags as seen as being in vogue by shoppers
 
Greeting your customers with a consistent greeting like “ will you be using your own bag today” has two outcomes. For people that have forgotten to bring their own bags  will mentally note that they must remember it next time, as it is now the normal thing to do. Secondly customers who haven’t thought about it before will think more about it in the future. 

Customers are more likely to become involved in packing their own shopping if there is some kind of recognition and conversation taking place at the checkout. Most people are more than happy to become involved in a small conversation. This is the perfect time to congratulate them if they are using a alternative bag and if they are not, asking them if they have ever thought about what happens to plastic bags after they are used in a household.