Attention all shoppers: This massive checkout change at BIG W will impact you!
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We know just how important it is to look after our environment. That's why, when we catch wind of any news about positive actions taken by retailers, we believe it is important to share it with our cherished members. After all, being environmentally conscious is everyone's responsibility!
Today's big news comes from one of Australia’s favourite retail giants, BIG W! They have confirmed that they will be stopping the sale of reusable plastic shopping bags at checkouts in stores nationwide. Over the coming weeks, the 15-cent and larger 45-cent reusable plastic shopping bags will gradually be phased out.
By taking this bold step, BIG W will eliminate over 480 tonnes of plastic from circulation annually. It's a testament to their commitment to being environmentally friendly and making a positive change for the planet.
For shoppers who might be concerned about bagging their purchases, fear not! Paper bags and other reusable bag options will be available at BIG W checkouts. However, customers are encouraged to bring their own bags to reduce the environmental impact further.
BIG W's Managing Director, Dan Hake, shared his enthusiasm for this new change. He said, 'At BIG W, we believe every small change can make a big difference, and this is an exciting next step in our sustainability journey.'
'Saying goodbye to plastic shopping bags will remove over 480 tonnes of plastic out of circulation annually, helping to create a better tomorrow for future generations,' he added.
BIG W will be offering paper shopping bags available for purchase as an alternative. These bags are 100% recyclable, made from recycled materials, and certified to FSC standards. They are designed to be reused and can easily be recycled at home through kerbside recycling.
A variety of reusable bag options will be available, too, including a new 99-cent reusable bag made from at least 70% recycled content.
The alarming increase in plastic bag use has had multiple negative effects on land, air, and water. For instance, plastic bags released into the environment are not biodegradable, meaning that when a plastic bag is tossed away, it stays in the environment for many years, breaking down into microplastics in the process. These fragments of plastic then contaminate soil and water, endangering the safety of both natural habitats and human populations.
Marine life is particularly vulnerable to the threat of plastic. Ingestion of plastic bags, bottles, and other forms of plastic waste can negatively affect the health of many marine animals and even have fatal consequences. This threatens entire food chains, as the deaths of sea creatures can disrupt oceanic ecosystems.
By choosing to phase out plastic bags, BIG W is making a proactive step in helping to reduce plastic waste and its negative impact on the environment. In this way, BIG W is connected to a worldwide movement to reduce the use of plastic and shift towards more eco-friendly and sustainable options.
As we bid adieu to reusable plastic bags and welcome the new era of eco-friendly options, it's time to reflect on our individual contributions to a greener world. Have you also been taking greener initiatives? We would love to hear about the steps you have taken to reduce your environmental impact.
Let's not only lead by example in our shopping habits but also inspire each other with our eco-friendly practices. Remember, it's never too late to make a difference for our environment and set a great example for the younger generations. Happy shopping!
Today's big news comes from one of Australia’s favourite retail giants, BIG W! They have confirmed that they will be stopping the sale of reusable plastic shopping bags at checkouts in stores nationwide. Over the coming weeks, the 15-cent and larger 45-cent reusable plastic shopping bags will gradually be phased out.
The newly introduced paper bags are manufactured entirely from paper that has been recycled, and they have received independent certification for meeting the FSC standards. Image by Paul Brennan from Pixabay
By taking this bold step, BIG W will eliminate over 480 tonnes of plastic from circulation annually. It's a testament to their commitment to being environmentally friendly and making a positive change for the planet.
For shoppers who might be concerned about bagging their purchases, fear not! Paper bags and other reusable bag options will be available at BIG W checkouts. However, customers are encouraged to bring their own bags to reduce the environmental impact further.
BIG W's Managing Director, Dan Hake, shared his enthusiasm for this new change. He said, 'At BIG W, we believe every small change can make a big difference, and this is an exciting next step in our sustainability journey.'
'Saying goodbye to plastic shopping bags will remove over 480 tonnes of plastic out of circulation annually, helping to create a better tomorrow for future generations,' he added.
BIG W will be offering paper shopping bags available for purchase as an alternative. These bags are 100% recyclable, made from recycled materials, and certified to FSC standards. They are designed to be reused and can easily be recycled at home through kerbside recycling.
A variety of reusable bag options will be available, too, including a new 99-cent reusable bag made from at least 70% recycled content.
Environmental Impact of Plastic Bags
When it comes to the environmental impact of plastic bags, the statistics speak for themselves. Scientists estimate that somewhere between 500 billion and 1 trillion plastic bags are used around the world each year. To make matters worse, most of these bags are never recycled, with an estimated 91% of plastic ending up in landfills or in the natural environment.The alarming increase in plastic bag use has had multiple negative effects on land, air, and water. For instance, plastic bags released into the environment are not biodegradable, meaning that when a plastic bag is tossed away, it stays in the environment for many years, breaking down into microplastics in the process. These fragments of plastic then contaminate soil and water, endangering the safety of both natural habitats and human populations.
Marine life is particularly vulnerable to the threat of plastic. Ingestion of plastic bags, bottles, and other forms of plastic waste can negatively affect the health of many marine animals and even have fatal consequences. This threatens entire food chains, as the deaths of sea creatures can disrupt oceanic ecosystems.
By choosing to phase out plastic bags, BIG W is making a proactive step in helping to reduce plastic waste and its negative impact on the environment. In this way, BIG W is connected to a worldwide movement to reduce the use of plastic and shift towards more eco-friendly and sustainable options.
As we bid adieu to reusable plastic bags and welcome the new era of eco-friendly options, it's time to reflect on our individual contributions to a greener world. Have you also been taking greener initiatives? We would love to hear about the steps you have taken to reduce your environmental impact.
Let's not only lead by example in our shopping habits but also inspire each other with our eco-friendly practices. Remember, it's never too late to make a difference for our environment and set a great example for the younger generations. Happy shopping!
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