We're all about making the world a greener, more sustainable place. So, it comes as no surprise that our supermarkets are adapting their practices to make this happen.

Just this year, supermarkets and retailers have made significant moves towards being more eco-friendly in their practices.

Coles has stopped selling soft-plastic bags, instead encouraging shoppers to bring and use their reusable bags. ALDI, on a similar note, has also phased out its reusable plastic bags, replacing them with brown paper bags.

Woolworths has been making significant strides in this area, too, although not all Aussie shoppers have been thrilled with their changes.

A new report has revealed that, much to some customers' displeasure, Woolworths has started charging customers for mesh bags to use when buying their fruit and veg instead of giving away free plastic bags.

Woolworths is trialling a new policy where they are charging customers for mesh bags when purchasing produce. Credit: Reddit.

The controversy began when a Woolworths shopper posted a photo of a sign announcing the 'sneaky' new fee on social media. It can be seen that mesh bags, which usually retail for $1.50, were being sold for a discounted rate of 30c.

The photo was taken in Western Australia, and in the accompanying caption, the unhappy customer said: 'What the f*** is this?'

Needless to say, the responses were far from pleasant.

'There's zero chance I'm paying for that,' came a disgruntled reply.

'This is where their next billion profit will be made,' bemoaned another.

The other response was to mock the supermarket's hypocrisy in moving away from single-use plastic bags while continuing to sell pre-packaged produce wrapped in plastic.

'Have they also removed hard-packaged cases for 100g of pre-chopped onions, which used 10000x the amount of plastic?' one person commented sarcastically.

But not everyone joined the choir of appalled shoppers; some more helpful comments suggested an easy solution to the issue.

'Go buy a pack of 80c freezer bags and use them over and over again...it's really not that hard,' one person wrote.

In April 2022, South Australia became the first state to begin using biodegradable vegetable bags as an alternative to traditional packaging, diverting an estimated 70 tonnes of plastic waste annually from landfills–a huge first step in the right direction.

Western Australia is set to follow in their footsteps in March next year, with Woolworths undergoing a six-week trial period in 12 stores statewide to test different bagging solutions.

'Customers shopping in a trial store can choose to go bagless with their fruit and veg purchase or bring their own reusable bag,' a spokesperson said. 'We will also be offering reusable mesh bags.'

'We understand this will be an adjustment for customers, and we'd like to thank our customers for helping us to prepare for the WA Government's upcoming ban on single-use fruit and veg bags,' they added.

Key Takeaways

• Woolworths is charging customers up to 30c for mesh bags to use when purchasing fruits and vegetables in select stores, sparking frustration among some customers.
• The supermarket giant is encouraging customers to bring in their own reusable bags for fruit and vegetables to reduce plastic waste.
• This change comes after South Australia became the first state where Woolworths introduced compostable fruit and vegetable bags, diverting up to 70 tonnes of plastic waste from landfills annually.
• A spokesperson said customers can choose between buying the mesh bags, carrying the produce on their own, or bringing their own bags for their purchases.
• Woolworths is currently trialling different bagging options in 12 stores across Western Australia in preparation for the state's ban on single-use fruit and vegetable bags, effective from March next year.

Members, we'd love to hear your thoughts on Woolworths' way of being more sustainable and eco-friendly. Share with us your take on the matter in the comments below.

In the meantime, we wish you the best in your shopping–and make sure you're double-checking those receipts!

 

[Babbie]

What a load of nonsense this story is. Take plastic bags or any carry bag from home for fruit and vegetables and keep recycling them.

 

[Sue Coulson]

We're all about making the world a greener, more sustainable place. So, it comes as no surprise that our supermarkets are adapting their practices to make this happen.

Just this year, supermarkets and retailers have made significant moves towards being more eco-friendly in their practices.

Coles has stopped selling soft-plastic bags, instead encouraging shoppers to bring and use their reusable bags. ALDI, on a similar note, has also phased out its reusable plastic bags, replacing them with brown paper bags.

Woolworths has been making significant strides in this area, too, although not all Aussie shoppers have been thrilled with their changes.

A new report has revealed that, much to some customers' displeasure, Woolworths has started charging customers for mesh bags to use when buying their fruit and veg instead of giving away free plastic bags.

View attachment 28869

Woolworths is trialling a new policy where they are charging customers for mesh bags when purchasing produce. Credit: Reddit.

The controversy began when a Woolworths shopper posted a photo of a sign announcing the 'sneaky' new fee on social media. It can be seen that mesh bags, which usually retail for $1.50, were being sold for a discounted rate of 30c.

The photo was taken in Western Australia, and in the accompanying caption, the unhappy customer said: 'What the f*** is this?'

Needless to say, the responses were far from pleasant.

'There's zero chance I'm paying for that,' came a disgruntled reply.

'This is where their next billion profit will be made,' bemoaned another.

The other response was to mock the supermarket's hypocrisy in moving away from single-use plastic bags while continuing to sell pre-packaged produce wrapped in plastic.

'Have they also removed hard-packaged cases for 100g of pre-chopped onions, which used 10000x the amount of plastic?' one person commented sarcastically.

But not everyone joined the choir of appalled shoppers; some more helpful comments suggested an easy solution to the issue.

'Go buy a pack of 80c freezer bags and use them over and over again...it's really not that hard,' one person wrote.

In April 2022, South Australia became the first state to begin using biodegradable vegetable bags as an alternative to traditional packaging, diverting an estimated 70 tonnes of plastic waste annually from landfills–a huge first step in the right direction.

Western Australia is set to follow in their footsteps in March next year, with Woolworths undergoing a six-week trial period in 12 stores statewide to test different bagging solutions.

'Customers shopping in a trial store can choose to go bagless with their fruit and veg purchase or bring their own reusable bag,' a spokesperson said. 'We will also be offering reusable mesh bags.'

'We understand this will be an adjustment for customers, and we'd like to thank our customers for helping us to prepare for the WA Government's upcoming ban on single-use fruit and veg bags,' they added.

Key Takeaways

• Woolworths is charging customers up to 30c for mesh bags to use when purchasing fruits and vegetables in select stores, sparking frustration among some customers.
• The supermarket giant is encouraging customers to bring in their own reusable bags for fruit and vegetables to reduce plastic waste.
• This change comes after South Australia became the first state where Woolworths introduced compostable fruit and vegetable bags, diverting up to 70 tonnes of plastic waste from landfills annually.
• A spokesperson said customers can choose between buying the mesh bags, carrying the produce on their own, or bringing their own bags for their purchases.
• Woolworths is currently trialling different bagging options in 12 stores across Western Australia in preparation for the state's ban on single-use fruit and vegetable bags, effective from March next year.

Members, we'd love to hear your thoughts on Woolworths' way of being more sustainable and eco-friendly. Share with us your take on the matter in the comments below.

In the meantime, we wish you the best in your shopping–and make sure you're double-checking those receipts!

It is unreasonable to expect anyone to put unbagged fresh produce into the questionably "clean" trolleys provided by supermarkets.

 

[GranniCaz]

We're all about making the world a greener, more sustainable place. So, it comes as no surprise that our supermarkets are adapting their practices to make this happen.

Just this year, supermarkets and retailers have made significant moves towards being more eco-friendly in their practices.

Coles has stopped selling soft-plastic bags, instead encouraging shoppers to bring and use their reusable bags. ALDI, on a similar note, has also phased out its reusable plastic bags, replacing them with brown paper bags.

Woolworths has been making significant strides in this area, too, although not all Aussie shoppers have been thrilled with their changes.

A new report has revealed that, much to some customers' displeasure, Woolworths has started charging customers for mesh bags to use when buying their fruit and veg instead of giving away free plastic bags.

View attachment 28869

Woolworths is trialling a new policy where they are charging customers for mesh bags when purchasing produce. Credit: Reddit.

The controversy began when a Woolworths shopper posted a photo of a sign announcing the 'sneaky' new fee on social media. It can be seen that mesh bags, which usually retail for $1.50, were being sold for a discounted rate of 30c.

The photo was taken in Western Australia, and in the accompanying caption, the unhappy customer said: 'What the f*** is this?'

Needless to say, the responses were far from pleasant.

'There's zero chance I'm paying for that,' came a disgruntled reply.

'This is where their next billion profit will be made,' bemoaned another.

The other response was to mock the supermarket's hypocrisy in moving away from single-use plastic bags while continuing to sell pre-packaged produce wrapped in plastic.

'Have they also removed hard-packaged cases for 100g of pre-chopped onions, which used 10000x the amount of plastic?' one person commented sarcastically.

But not everyone joined the choir of appalled shoppers; some more helpful comments suggested an easy solution to the issue.

'Go buy a pack of 80c freezer bags and use them over and over again...it's really not that hard,' one person wrote.

In April 2022, South Australia became the first state to begin using biodegradable vegetable bags as an alternative to traditional packaging, diverting an estimated 70 tonnes of plastic waste annually from landfills–a huge first step in the right direction.

Western Australia is set to follow in their footsteps in March next year, with Woolworths undergoing a six-week trial period in 12 stores statewide to test different bagging solutions.

'Customers shopping in a trial store can choose to go bagless with their fruit and veg purchase or bring their own reusable bag,' a spokesperson said. 'We will also be offering reusable mesh bags.'

'We understand this will be an adjustment for customers, and we'd like to thank our customers for helping us to prepare for the WA Government's upcoming ban on single-use fruit and veg bags,' they added.

Key Takeaways

• Woolworths is charging customers up to 30c for mesh bags to use when purchasing fruits and vegetables in select stores, sparking frustration among some customers.
• The supermarket giant is encouraging customers to bring in their own reusable bags for fruit and vegetables to reduce plastic waste.
• This change comes after South Australia became the first state where Woolworths introduced compostable fruit and vegetable bags, diverting up to 70 tonnes of plastic waste from landfills annually.
• A spokesperson said customers can choose between buying the mesh bags, carrying the produce on their own, or bringing their own bags for their purchases.
• Woolworths is currently trialling different bagging options in 12 stores across Western Australia in preparation for the state's ban on single-use fruit and vegetable bags, effective from March next year.

Members, we'd love to hear your thoughts on Woolworths' way of being more sustainable and eco-friendly. Share with us your take on the matter in the comments below.

In the meantime, we wish you the best in your shopping–and make sure you're double-checking those receipts!

SNEAKY … sums Woolworths business model up in one word …. Although GREEDY is equally apt!

 

[waynegjones]

We're all about making the world a greener, more sustainable place. So, it comes as no surprise that our supermarkets are adapting their practices to make this happen.

Just this year, supermarkets and retailers have made significant moves towards being more eco-friendly in their practices.

Coles has stopped selling soft-plastic bags, instead encouraging shoppers to bring and use their reusable bags. ALDI, on a similar note, has also phased out its reusable plastic bags, replacing them with brown paper bags.

Woolworths has been making significant strides in this area, too, although not all Aussie shoppers have been thrilled with their changes.

A new report has revealed that, much to some customers' displeasure, Woolworths has started charging customers for mesh bags to use when buying their fruit and veg instead of giving away free plastic bags.

View attachment 28869

Woolworths is trialling a new policy where they are charging customers for mesh bags when purchasing produce. Credit: Reddit.

The controversy began when a Woolworths shopper posted a photo of a sign announcing the 'sneaky' new fee on social media. It can be seen that mesh bags, which usually retail for $1.50, were being sold for a discounted rate of 30c.

The photo was taken in Western Australia, and in the accompanying caption, the unhappy customer said: 'What the f*** is this?'

Needless to say, the responses were far from pleasant.

'There's zero chance I'm paying for that,' came a disgruntled reply.

'This is where their next billion profit will be made,' bemoaned another.

The other response was to mock the supermarket's hypocrisy in moving away from single-use plastic bags while continuing to sell pre-packaged produce wrapped in plastic.

'Have they also removed hard-packaged cases for 100g of pre-chopped onions, which used 10000x the amount of plastic?' one person commented sarcastically.

But not everyone joined the choir of appalled shoppers; some more helpful comments suggested an easy solution to the issue.

'Go buy a pack of 80c freezer bags and use them over and over again...it's really not that hard,' one person wrote.

In April 2022, South Australia became the first state to begin using biodegradable vegetable bags as an alternative to traditional packaging, diverting an estimated 70 tonnes of plastic waste annually from landfills–a huge first step in the right direction.

Western Australia is set to follow in their footsteps in March next year, with Woolworths undergoing a six-week trial period in 12 stores statewide to test different bagging solutions.

'Customers shopping in a trial store can choose to go bagless with their fruit and veg purchase or bring their own reusable bag,' a spokesperson said. 'We will also be offering reusable mesh bags.'

'We understand this will be an adjustment for customers, and we'd like to thank our customers for helping us to prepare for the WA Government's upcoming ban on single-use fruit and veg bags,' they added.

Key Takeaways

• Woolworths is charging customers up to 30c for mesh bags to use when purchasing fruits and vegetables in select stores, sparking frustration among some customers.
• The supermarket giant is encouraging customers to bring in their own reusable bags for fruit and vegetables to reduce plastic waste.
• This change comes after South Australia became the first state where Woolworths introduced compostable fruit and vegetable bags, diverting up to 70 tonnes of plastic waste from landfills annually.
• A spokesperson said customers can choose between buying the mesh bags, carrying the produce on their own, or bringing their own bags for their purchases.
• Woolworths is currently trialling different bagging options in 12 stores across Western Australia in preparation for the state's ban on single-use fruit and vegetable bags, effective from March next year.

Members, we'd love to hear your thoughts on Woolworths' way of being more sustainable and eco-friendly. Share with us your take on the matter in the comments below.

In the meantime, we wish you the best in your shopping–and make sure you're double-checking those receipts!

We, just another reason not to shop at Woolworth. I reuse these plastic bags for many different things but mainly for use when walking my dog. No difference to bags we buy in rolls. This will become a other money making venture for them. Like when we went to the green shopping backs and Woolworth said they would replace them for free when they were worn out, never happen.

 

[lonelyasacloud]

I reuse them as bin bags so now I will have to buy a roll of bin bags - no plastic saved there!

 

[Catherines]

What a load of nonsense this story is. Take plastic bags or any carry bag from home for fruit and vegetables and keep recycling them.

Absolute nonsense in this story. If I go shopping with my husband I make sure he puts fruit & veg (no doubt in smaller quantity for just us two) into the trolley itself & then into our own reusable bags (brought from home). TAKE YOUR OWN BAGS - no need to buy more mesh or paper bags and then complain about a store charging you.

Some of the checkout operators (but definitely not all) seem to dump your goods into your bags without concern for anything that may be squashed underneath. We have even had a carton of eggs placed on top of veg & fruit in the past. When loading onto the conveyor belt I try to keep like items (especially F & V) together & heavy/cold items together so they go into similar bags.

 

[AlanQ]

so buy it and then bring it back with your other bags next time. Problem solved. Next whinge that needs addressing.

 

[janellemannell]

We're all about making the world a greener, more sustainable place. So, it comes as no surprise that our supermarkets are adapting their practices to make this happen.

Just this year, supermarkets and retailers have made significant moves towards being more eco-friendly in their practices.

Coles has stopped selling soft-plastic bags, instead encouraging shoppers to bring and use their reusable bags. ALDI, on a similar note, has also phased out its reusable plastic bags, replacing them with brown paper bags.

Woolworths has been making significant strides in this area, too, although not all Aussie shoppers have been thrilled with their changes.

A new report has revealed that, much to some customers' displeasure, Woolworths has started charging customers for mesh bags to use when buying their fruit and veg instead of giving away free plastic bags.

View attachment 28869

Woolworths is trialling a new policy where they are charging customers for mesh bags when purchasing produce. Credit: Reddit.

The controversy began when a Woolworths shopper posted a photo of a sign announcing the 'sneaky' new fee on social media. It can be seen that mesh bags, which usually retail for $1.50, were being sold for a discounted rate of 30c.

The photo was taken in Western Australia, and in the accompanying caption, the unhappy customer said: 'What the f*** is this?'

Needless to say, the responses were far from pleasant.

'There's zero chance I'm paying for that,' came a disgruntled reply.

'This is where their next billion profit will be made,' bemoaned another.

The other response was to mock the supermarket's hypocrisy in moving away from single-use plastic bags while continuing to sell pre-packaged produce wrapped in plastic.

'Have they also removed hard-packaged cases for 100g of pre-chopped onions, which used 10000x the amount of plastic?' one person commented sarcastically.

But not everyone joined the choir of appalled shoppers; some more helpful comments suggested an easy solution to the issue.

'Go buy a pack of 80c freezer bags and use them over and over again...it's really not that hard,' one person wrote.

In April 2022, South Australia became the first state to begin using biodegradable vegetable bags as an alternative to traditional packaging, diverting an estimated 70 tonnes of plastic waste annually from landfills–a huge first step in the right direction.

Western Australia is set to follow in their footsteps in March next year, with Woolworths undergoing a six-week trial period in 12 stores statewide to test different bagging solutions.

'Customers shopping in a trial store can choose to go bagless with their fruit and veg purchase or bring their own reusable bag,' a spokesperson said. 'We will also be offering reusable mesh bags.'

'We understand this will be an adjustment for customers, and we'd like to thank our customers for helping us to prepare for the WA Government's upcoming ban on single-use fruit and veg bags,' they added.

Key Takeaways

• Woolworths is charging customers up to 30c for mesh bags to use when purchasing fruits and vegetables in select stores, sparking frustration among some customers.
• The supermarket giant is encouraging customers to bring in their own reusable bags for fruit and vegetables to reduce plastic waste.
• This change comes after South Australia became the first state where Woolworths introduced compostable fruit and vegetable bags, diverting up to 70 tonnes of plastic waste from landfills annually.
• A spokesperson said customers can choose between buying the mesh bags, carrying the produce on their own, or bringing their own bags for their purchases.
• Woolworths is currently trialling different bagging options in 12 stores across Western Australia in preparation for the state's ban on single-use fruit and vegetable bags, effective from March next year.

Members, we'd love to hear your thoughts on Woolworths' way of being more sustainable and eco-friendly. Share with us your take on the matter in the comments below.

In the meantime, we wish you the best in your shopping–and make sure you're double-checking those receipts!

Woolworth in Qld always charged for the reusable plastic bags.
15 cents I think it was

 

[Donna L]

so buy it and then bring it back with your other bags next time. Problem solved. Next whinge that needs addressing.

I am with you mate

 

[mangles]

Use the green bags we get from council for rubbish or get some cheap rolls of plastic bags from $1 shop and re use them. I use the Green bags for rubbish.

 

[Trudi]

I made a dozen or so draw-string bags out of sheer curtain fabric.

Cut the fabric into rectangles twice as long as the finished size, folded in half and stitch the sides, then hem the top and inserted a draw-string. They get washed on a regular basis and are reusable over and over again.

 

[Terry2422]

I bought 3 of their light mesh bags for $1.50 a while ago and reuse them along with some larger net bags I made for fruit and veg.
I hope Wwths don't charge for their mesh bags again - I must keep an eye open at checkout, but I will never use single use plastic bags.

 

[darrellh]

Ages ago when it was firsted talked about getting rid of the plastic bags used for fresh fruit and vegetables, Woolworths in WA or our local anway were giving away free smaller reusable bags. One a week for 3 weeks I think it was if you spent over a certain amount. So now is the time to bring them out and start using them.

 

[Wanna]

Wouldn’t mesh bags add to the distress of sealife in the larger scale of things? Are the mesh bags bio degradable?

 

[Nana Zorak]

I made a dozen or so draw-string bags out of sheer curtain fabric.

Cut the fabric into rectangles twice as long as the finished size, folded in half and stitch the sides, then hem the top and inserted a draw-string. They get washed on a regular basis and are reusable over and over again.

I am with you, I made my own recyclable bags from fabric left over from costumes. They work well & are easily washed each week. Pity I can't sew well now as I have many still to sew up.

 

[Littleboy8]

Use the green bags we get from council for rubbish or get some cheap rolls of plastic bags from $1 shop and re use them. I use the Green bags for rubbish.

Who gets free bags from what council

 

[Halona]

What a load of nonsense this story is. Take plastic bags or any carry bag from home for fruit and vegetables and keep recycling them.

I agree. We have our own string bags to put our groceries in - and Keep Cool bags for icecream, milk etc. If we have a large order we just transfer it to a cardboard box. We use Click and Collect, so everything is brought out in a trolley...the fruit and veg in a paper bag. It is only 30C to buy these bags. Let the moths out of your bag and buy a couple and RE-USE them.

 

[Penny4]

I've used reusable produce bags for years, due to the fact my local farmers markets have always been plastic free. We're expected to take our own to the markets.
I use them for the supermarkets as well if I buy fruit or veg. Mine are lightweight and are are minimal when weighing at the checkout.

 

[Catherines]

We, just another reason not to shop at Woolworth. I reuse these plastic bags for many different things but mainly for use when walking my dog. No difference to bags we buy in rolls. This will become a other money making venture for them. Like when we went to the green shopping backs and Woolworth said they would replace them for free when they were worn out, never happen.

You say it never happened. Did you ever think of asking for a replacement bag? Or were you expecting them to ask you if you wanted one! Just remember EVERYTHING, JUST EVERYTHING, COSTS MONEY