Woolworths, one of Australia's largest supermarket chains, has been known for a number of its eco-friendly initiatives in order to reduce its impact on the environment.

Just last year, the supermarket chain announced that it is committed to reducing its use of plastic, such as plastic bags and packaging, and has introduced alternatives such as reusable bags and recyclable paper bags.

Woolworths has also invested in energy-efficient technologies and practices, such as LED lighting and solar panels, to reduce its energy usage and carbon footprint, as part of the company's nationwide transition to clean energy by 2025.

These initiatives have been well received by customers who are increasingly looking for environmentally-friendly options.

But unfortunately, Woolworths' latest eco-friendly initiative is not going down well with shoppers - with many even saying it is downright 'discriminatory'.

Woolworths has reserved 'green' carparks specifically for low-emitting, fuel-efficient vehicles. Credit: TikTok/mattlawsonphotography2.0.

A Melbourne shopper, Matthew Lawson, was taken aback by the sight of green parking spots reserved for eco-friendly vehicles at his local Woolworths store.

In a video that quickly went viral on social media, Matthew took viewers on a tour of the Mernda Town Centre Woolworths carpark, pointing out the green spots designated for low-emitting, fuel-efficient vehicles.

The sign in front of the spots lists the vehicles that are eligible to park there, including hybrids, electrics, and cars that use five litres or less of fuel per 100 km driven.

As Matthew gestures towards the sign, he can barely contain his disbelief.

'I've just encountered wokeness at a new level,' he exclaims. 'Reserved parking for low-emitting, fuel-efficient vehicles only? Green spots that you can only park in if you fit those criteria? That's crazy!'

Matthew's video has quickly become a sensation, with many people sharing his frustration at this latest attempt by Woolworths to go green.

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The green parking spots reserved for eco-friendly vehicles have drawn a barrage of criticism on social media, with Matt's video garnering over 1,000 comments from fellow shoppers.

One shopper wrote, 'Meanwhile, I'm a wheelchair user who can't push myself in the chair, can't afford an electric chair, and I can rarely find enough disabled parking.'

Another commented, 'No more Woolies shopping for me.' And a third asked, 'So only people wealthy enough to buy these types of cars are considered for privileged parking spots?'

The supermarket has yet to respond to the backlash, but it's clear that this latest initiative is not sitting well with many customers.

Key Takeaways

• Woolworths has implemented a number of eco-friendly initiatives to reduce its impact on the environment.
• The latest initiative is 'reserved' parking spaces for low-emitting, fuel-efficient vehicles, leading to backlash from customers.
• Customers have expressed a range of opinions, with some slamming the reserved parking spaces as 'discriminatory'.
• Woolworths has not made a statement on the issue so far.

Shopping at a supermarket can be a real challenge, especially when it comes to finding a parking spot. For seniors, parents with prams and people with disabilities, this challenge can be even greater. Many supermarket carparks are cramped and busy, making it difficult to navigate and find a suitable spot.

For individuals with disabilities, the situation can be even more challenging. They may require wider spaces for wheelchairs or accessible ramps, and finding one such parking space can be difficult, especially in busy supermarket carparks.

Additionally, disabled parking spots are often few and far between, and are sometimes even occupied by able-bodied individuals, leaving those who actually need them struggling to find a suitable spot.

People with disabilities can have a difficult time doing something as simple as obtaining a parking spot. Credit: Pexels/Jakub Pabis.

These difficulties can be stressful and discouraging, making shopping a task that many would rather avoid.

It is important for supermarkets to consider these challenges and make their carparks more accessible and accommodating for everyone, regardless of age or ability. This would not only improve the shopping experience for those who need it, but it would also demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.

What do you think of this story, folks? Do you believe this eco-friendly parking policy will end up alienating more shoppers than it attracts? Or will this be enough to change the way people drive and reduce their carbon footprint?

Only time will tell, but for now, it seems that Matt's viral video has sparked a heated debate about the true cost of going green. Which side are you on? Let us know what you think in the comments!

 

[DiRose]

Disgusting! EVs are going to become a bigger disaster environmentally in the future than the old cars that were actually made of metal which can be recycled. The manufacture of EVs is far more environmentally damaging than fuel driven. Notwithstanding, the most needy of closer parking to stores, the elderly are being pushed further away. Just because you don't yet qualify for an ACROD sticker, doesn't mean you can ambulate as easily as the (predominantly) young.

 

[Jest]

OK, I cannot believe the reaction that this has stirred up. Good on ya Woolies, I can see that you are simply trying to drag us all kicking and screaming into the future. I have questions for the "badly done by":
1. Have Woolies taken away disabled parking spots?
2. There is now a larger percentage of fuel-efficient cars on the road and with the price of fuel being what it is, no one can say that they can afford it except the wealthy who buy electric vehicles and will soon trade them in giving all the "we can't afford them" complainers the opportunity to own one.
3. Would it be that Woolies might be introducing charging stations in those particular spots? I believe they sold their Service Station interests so they might be able to provide a great service so that you can charge your vehicle whilst you do your shopping. (Only for the rich though)!
4. When will people move their thoughts into the unstoppable future and stop giving themselves a reason to complain?
Sorry about all that but the complaining just annoys me. I cannot drive but I can see the benefits of what Woolies are doing.

if the car park is public they cannot designate. ie like macdonalds. councils are the only ones to fine etc. If you do not drive then this does not affect you. Leave it to others who drive and park.

 

[Jest]

OK, I cannot believe the reaction that this has stirred up. Good on ya Woolies, I can see that you are simply trying to drag us all kicking and screaming into the future. I have questions for the "badly done by":
1. Have Woolies taken away disabled parking spots?
2. There is now a larger percentage of fuel-efficient cars on the road and with the price of fuel being what it is, no one can say that they can afford it except the wealthy who buy electric vehicles and will soon trade them in giving all the "we can't afford them" complainers the opportunity to own one.
3. Would it be that Woolies might be introducing charging stations in those particular spots? I believe they sold their Service Station interests so they might be able to provide a great service so that you can charge your vehicle whilst you do your shopping. (Only for the rich though)!
4. When will people move their thoughts into the unstoppable future and stop giving themselves a reason to complain?
Sorry about all that but the complaining just annoys me. I cannot drive but I can see the benefits of what Woolies are doing.

well, you do not have a problem. you do not drive and therefor your comments annoy me.

 

[Kelpie]

You have overstepped this time Woolies.

Couldn't agree with you more. And this is not the first time that they have overstepped the mark.

 

[Kelpie]

How are they expecting to police this?

I am not racist in any ways or form. To the contrary as a matter of fact because I alwasy do my best to help everyone of different colour or backgrounds but, knowing them it will be someone who doesn't speak English properly to do the policing. So if you ask that person what you will have to do next, you won't be able to get any proper direction.

 

[Kelpie]

And they use rare earths in their manufacture which is being mined by young children under slave like conditions.

Hear hear. But in their promotions they alwasy fail to tell us how this product is mined, produced, and at what cost to some people/population.
It is all about money my friend, not the pretence that it is saving the World.

 

[Kelpie]

OK, I cannot believe the reaction that this has stirred up. Good on ya Woolies, I can see that you are simply trying to drag us all kicking and screaming into the future. I have questions for the "badly done by":
1. Have Woolies taken away disabled parking spots?
2. There is now a larger percentage of fuel-efficient cars on the road and with the price of fuel being what it is, no one can say that they can afford it except the wealthy who buy electric vehicles and will soon trade them in giving all the "we can't afford them" complainers the opportunity to own one.
3. Would it be that Woolies might be introducing charging stations in those particular spots? I believe they sold their Service Station interests so they might be able to provide a great service so that you can charge your vehicle whilst you do your shopping. (Only for the rich though)!
4. When will people move their thoughts into the unstoppable future and stop giving themselves a reason to complain?
Sorry about all that but the complaining just annoys me. I cannot drive but I can see the benefits of what Woolies are doing.

You'll be the only one that I know of.

 

[MotherGoose]

Like the 'parents with prams' bays, I doubt it would be enforceable. And I cannot see Woolies alienating customers by having them towed or ticketed. At our local Woolies shopping centre, I saw a person park in the Acrod (disability) bay without displaying a permit, right in front of a security guard, even though there were plenty of empty bays. When I asked the security guard why no action was taken, he replied that the shopping centre did not want to alienate any potential customers.

 

[Kelpie]

Like the 'parents with prams' bays, I doubt it would be enforceable. And I cannot see Woolies alienating customers by having them towed or ticketed. At our local Woolies shopping centre, I saw a person park in the Acrod (disability) bay without displaying a permit, right in front of a security guard, even though there were plenty of empty bays. When I asked the security guard why no action was taken, he replied that the shopping centre did not want to alienate any potential customers.

I think they left it too late.

 

[Kelpie]

It's normally worked out by how big the development will be. So many spaces per sqm unless I'm completely wrong?

Councils are the ones which determine how many parking spaces are required while pending for a development application, not the developer. They (Councils) look at the application, the size of it, and the amount of customers it will attract and then make a final determinaton on how many car park Council requires which the developer has to provide for.

 

[freedy50]

Councils are the ones which determine how many parking spaces are required while pending for a development application, not the developer. They (Councils) look at the application, the size of it, and the amount of customers it will attract and then make a final determinaton on how many car park Council requires which the developer has to provide for.

I think it's the other way round?
The developer might want to build, maybe a factory, and plan on doing 200 spaces. Then they'll submit the plans and then the council will say we'll only allow 150 before they pass it.
No council will tell a developer how many spaces they should put in their plans before they've even started. That's what you seem to be saying.

 

[Kelpie]

I think it's the other way round?
The developer might want to build, maybe a factory, and plan on doing 200 spaces. Then they'll submit the plans and then the council will say we'll only allow 150 before they pass it.
No council will tell a developer how many spaces they should put in their plans before they've even started. That's what you seem to be saying.

That's correct. Council will determine and ask the developer to supply an X amount of car spaces before approving the Development application.
Each development application lodge to Councils will be treated based simply on what the Developer plans to use the land for.
Of course a shopping center would require a lot more car spaces than what would be required for a Factory. Yet it depends at what the Factory developer is planning to do.