In early April, Woolworths began phasing out disposable plastic handbags. Since April 30, all Australia's Coles has fully imposed a plastic ban, meaning they no longer offer disposable plastic bags in Coles, in any state.
(photo source: Yahoo)
Although the all-Australia plastic ban came into effect on July 1, many Australian giants have taken the lead in setting an example, according to Yahoo News. "so far, the response has been pretty good," said cashier Christine Smith, who is the first Coles store in Australia to say goodbye to disposable plastic bags in Williamstown Coles, Victoria.
(photo source: Yahoo)
"We encourage customers to bring their own shopping bags or carts," Coles spokesman Martine Alpins said. Although plastic bags cannot be used once, customers can buy reusable shopping bags made from recycled plastic bags for 15 cents, with some saying that "the color of the bag is a bit of a pussy".
Others argue that "what they do is move from a free plastic bag to a plastic bag that needs to be paid for", but most consumers are happy to support it. It is hoped that the ban will significantly reduce plastic waste and reduce suffocating deaths in birds and marine life.