Home » Science

Mike Hosking: Good on Coles for reversing ban on plastic bags

04 August, 2018, 09:07 | Author: Tara Reeves
  • The reusable bags were initially only supposed to be free for one week. Source 7 NewsMore

It drew a furious response, dubbed "bag rage", as customers angry about having to bring their own sacks or pay 15 Australian cents (11 US cents) for a reusable plastic bag abused checkout staff and vented on social media.

"We are extending our complimentary bag offer until Wednesday 29 August for our customers in QLD, NSW, VIC and WA", Durkan wrote, in an email seen by Junkee.

Woolworths, however, said its customers had no such issues.

"But we know that many customers are still finding themselves a bag or two short at the register and we want to do the right thing by them during this transition period".

It comes after the supermarket giant came under fire earlier this week for backing down on its plans to make customers pay for the thicker plastic bags, with one Woolworths employee reportedly assaulted by a customer angry at the changes.

The U.N. wants to eliminate single-use plastic by 2022 and says more than 60 countries have so far taken steps to ban or reduce plastic consumption.

Earlier today, a Coles spokesperson confirmed to Inside Retail that they believed customers needed more time to adjust to the change.

Coles has set a deadline for its extended free plastic bags handout, after bowing to customer pressure in backing down on reusable bags.

Facebook Removes 32 Pages, Accounts Deemed Fake
Around 2,600 people indicated they were interested in attending the "No Unite The Right 2" event, and 600 said they would attend. Facebook said, "We'd encourage apps that are still being used but have not been submitted for app review to do so now".

"Our focus is on continuing to help all our customers form new and sustainable habits".

Coles has revealed another backflip on its decision to dump plastic bags, saying it will now offer reusable plastic bags for free indefinitely.

That decision has annoyed environmental groups, who warned the reusable bags are worse for the environment if they are discarded into waterways and habitats.

Boomerang Alliance Jeff Angel told the Herald Sun the Coles' latest decision was a "weak act".

"These so-called reusable plastic bags are nearly as thin as the banned lightweight ones, " he said.

Another: "Absolutely disgraceful that with all the obvious and overwhelming evidence of plastic ruining every part of the environment.You can't even follow through with such a common sense request for the benefit of our planet".

Woolworths surveyed 12,500 customers in May about the phasing out of single-use bags and found that 75 per cent supported the move, 15 per cent did not support it, and 10 per cent were unsure about it.

Meanwhile, Woolworths has doubled down on its plastic bag ban, and will continue to sell the reusable plastic bags for 15 cents.

Recommended:



Popular

Molson Coors Canada and HEXO Make A Cannabis-Infused Agreement
Molson Coors Canada will have a 57.5% controlling interest in the JV, with Hydropothecary having the remaining ownership interest. He said the marijuana industry could fuel alcohol's next growth cycle or instead suffocate an industry already on the defensive.

Pope Francis changes Catholic teaching on death penalty
The death penalty was meant only to protect society. "The key point here is really human dignity ", Burke said. Pope Francis addresses his weekly audience in Saint Peter's square at the Vatican on June 6, 2018.

Is Luka Modric moving to Inter Milan?
Modric was the player of the tournament in Russian Federation and remains one of the leading midfielders in world football. Marco Asensio recently had to deny a move to Liverpool and Mateo Kovacic told to Marca that he wishes to leave the club .

Thibaut Courtois responds after Sarri comments and fans are anxious
So I don't know the situation in this moment. "There is not a Willian problem", said the former Napoli boss. When asked if he was confident that Willian would stay in West London, Sarri replied: "Yes".

Apple officially becomes the first $1 trillion company
The stock has risen more than 21 per cent this year and an eye-watering 50,000 per cent since it became a public company in 1980. The iPhone maker's market capitalisation reached the figure in afternoon trading in NY as its shares rose above $207.

Weinstein lawyer asks court to dismiss sex crimes case
His lawyers say all the charges should be dismissed; the defense says some charges are too vague, among other arguments. The emails were reportedly sent after the rape allegedly happened and show a woman who was treating him affectionately.

Trump sowing divisions, says basketball's LeBron James
James said during an interview withESPN that playing alongside men who love the game of basketball like he does is what he loves. And that's something that I can't relate to, because I know that sport was the first time I ever was around someone white.

Verizon just let slip when its 5G mobile service will launch
However, the company also unveiled an interesting modular attachment that will usher in the era of 5G, called the 5G Moto Mod . Speaking of those Moto Mods , here is a look at the 5G Moto Mod , a device we first revealed back in January .

Five-day sales tax holiday in Wisconsin begins
The tax exemption applies to parents' back-to-school shopping for their kids, and for teachers stocking their classrooms. On purchases like clothing , school supplies , computers and software, the sales tax is exempt for this weekend only.

Vaginal Laser Treatments Can Cause Burns and Scarring, the FDA Says
Discuss the benefits and risks of all available treatment options for vaginal symptoms with your health care provider. The FDA said it was "deeply concerned" people were being injured with these procedures.

Latest

Tendencies