‘You have no shame.’ Coles defends controversial $15 paper bag amid backlash
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We can all agree that living costs continue to rise in ways we wouldn't necessarily anticipate.
In another twist in the ongoing saga of life’s little frustrations, a Coles supermarket shopper voiced his outrage over a checkout change: a whopping $15 for a reusable paper bag!
We encounter unexpected expenses occasionally, but forking out 15 big ones just for a paper bag is quite a surprise!
According to 7NEWS.com.au, the shopper shared his disbelief on social media after discovering the price of these 'washable' paper bags.
'Fifteen dollars for a paper bag??? That's a hard no from me,' he wrote.
Another post from him followed: 'You have no shame.'
Now this may seem a bit much—and the shopper isn’t the only one who thinks so, as the revelation sparked a flurry of backlash from other customers.
However, Coles had a different take.
They defended their decision and stood by the price tag claiming these bags had a 'longer lifespan' and wider capacity, being able to hold up to 20kg.
'Our washable paper bag, made from FSC-certified paper, has recently launched in-store as another option for customers to use when shopping,' a spokesperson said.
Now, if you're wondering what FSC-certified paper is, it's paper approved by the Forest Stewardship Council, which promotes responsible management of the world's forests.
This certification ensures the paper produced is from a sustainable source, adding an eco-friendly angle to this washable bag.
'The $15 price is based on a number of factors, including the materials used and its ability to be machine washable.'
According to the supermarket giant, these new bags, which they claim have a leather-like quality, appear to be quite sturdy.
It is machine washable, and it competes with soft plastics when it comes to longevity.
'We also continue to offer our customers 100 per cent recycled paper bags for just 25 cents, a range of reusable tote bags that retail from $1, and chilled bags which are $2.50 each,' the spokesperson added, attempting to quell some of the uproar.
It's quite the change from the simple brown paper bags of yesteryear, isn't it?
There was a time when no one could have imagined paying for a shopping bag, let alone a $15 one!
This introduction of the hefty $15 paper bag followed Coles' recent decision to stop selling their 15c reusable plastic bags in all stores by the end of June.
In their place, customers have been offered reusable paper bags for just 25c, along with a range of totes, providing a wider array of options.
However, this approach gained discontentment from shoppers. You can read more about it here.
'This [July], we phased out all soft plastic shopping bags in-store and online, which will remove 230 million plastic bags from circulation in one year. This is part of our commitment to reduce unnecessary plastic,' the spokesperson shared.
Change can be tough, especially when coupled with a jump in price for what used to be a free giveaway item at the end of a grocery trip.
However, it also underscores the larger environmental discourse about reducing reliance on single-use plastic items.
No matter what side of the fence you’re on for this story, let this be a reminder to keep a stash of bags in the boot of the car or near the front door, ready for your next supermarket trip.
Remember, it's not just about caring for the environment; it's also about smart shopping.
Members, what do you think about Coles' decision to sell a reusable paper bag for $15? Does the price seem justified to you?
In another twist in the ongoing saga of life’s little frustrations, a Coles supermarket shopper voiced his outrage over a checkout change: a whopping $15 for a reusable paper bag!
We encounter unexpected expenses occasionally, but forking out 15 big ones just for a paper bag is quite a surprise!
Reusable bags have gained popularity as an eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastic bags, helping to reduce plastic waste and its detrimental environmental impact. Source: Twitter
According to 7NEWS.com.au, the shopper shared his disbelief on social media after discovering the price of these 'washable' paper bags.
'Fifteen dollars for a paper bag??? That's a hard no from me,' he wrote.
Another post from him followed: 'You have no shame.'
Now this may seem a bit much—and the shopper isn’t the only one who thinks so, as the revelation sparked a flurry of backlash from other customers.
However, Coles had a different take.
They defended their decision and stood by the price tag claiming these bags had a 'longer lifespan' and wider capacity, being able to hold up to 20kg.
'Our washable paper bag, made from FSC-certified paper, has recently launched in-store as another option for customers to use when shopping,' a spokesperson said.
Now, if you're wondering what FSC-certified paper is, it's paper approved by the Forest Stewardship Council, which promotes responsible management of the world's forests.
This certification ensures the paper produced is from a sustainable source, adding an eco-friendly angle to this washable bag.
'The $15 price is based on a number of factors, including the materials used and its ability to be machine washable.'
According to the supermarket giant, these new bags, which they claim have a leather-like quality, appear to be quite sturdy.
It is machine washable, and it competes with soft plastics when it comes to longevity.
'We also continue to offer our customers 100 per cent recycled paper bags for just 25 cents, a range of reusable tote bags that retail from $1, and chilled bags which are $2.50 each,' the spokesperson added, attempting to quell some of the uproar.
It's quite the change from the simple brown paper bags of yesteryear, isn't it?
There was a time when no one could have imagined paying for a shopping bag, let alone a $15 one!
This introduction of the hefty $15 paper bag followed Coles' recent decision to stop selling their 15c reusable plastic bags in all stores by the end of June.
In their place, customers have been offered reusable paper bags for just 25c, along with a range of totes, providing a wider array of options.
However, this approach gained discontentment from shoppers. You can read more about it here.
Coles’ reusable paper bags are fragile and prone to tearing. Source: Facebook
'This [July], we phased out all soft plastic shopping bags in-store and online, which will remove 230 million plastic bags from circulation in one year. This is part of our commitment to reduce unnecessary plastic,' the spokesperson shared.
Change can be tough, especially when coupled with a jump in price for what used to be a free giveaway item at the end of a grocery trip.
However, it also underscores the larger environmental discourse about reducing reliance on single-use plastic items.
No matter what side of the fence you’re on for this story, let this be a reminder to keep a stash of bags in the boot of the car or near the front door, ready for your next supermarket trip.
Remember, it's not just about caring for the environment; it's also about smart shopping.
Members, what do you think about Coles' decision to sell a reusable paper bag for $15? Does the price seem justified to you?
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