Perth office workers will have access to thousands of reusable cloth shopping bags in a new bag sharing program.
Launched by environment minister Stephen Dawson yesterday, the Sustainability in the City bag program is the result of a partnership between the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation and the National Retail Association.
Ten thousand reusable bags will be delivered across 500 offices throughout the CBD in coming weeks, offering office workers another way of managing without lightweight plastic bags.
National Retail Association manager industry policy David Stout said the reusable roll-up bags were being delivered in a counter-top box so they could be placed in office kitchens, receptions or break areas, making it easy for office workers to grab a reusable bag.
“Then they return the bag to the box so that everyone in the office continues to benefit.
“We have all become familiar with keeping reusable bags in our car for when we stop at the supermarket but the ban affects all retailers, and as shoppers, we need to remember to take our reusable bags when we go out to purchase food and other items.”
The bags are made from quick-dry cloth so they can be used for wet items or even washed so they can be used hundreds of times.
The NRA has carried out a comprehensive campaign with West Australian retailers in recent months, helping them prepare for and adjust to the ban.
Stout said thousands of small and large retailers had now ditched lightweight plastic bags in favour of more sustainable reusable alternatives.
“We’re seeing promising signs in WA, with dramatic reductions not only in lightweight plastic bags, but in all plastic bags.
“Shoppers appear to be remembering to bring their own bags, with retailers reporting up to 90% drop in total bag consumption.
“This bag sharing program is another initiative to help both shoppers and retailers adjust and keep up the great progress.”