Coles is back pedalling its promise of a plastic bag ban
Coles is pulling out of the plastic bag ban and it's kicking off.
In an incredible turn of events, Coles has dropped its environmentally friendly approach and is pulling out of its plastic bag ban.
Coles has stated that it isn't going forward with the movement saying that some people need more time to adjust to the change.
The supermarket chain began handing out bags as of 1 June in NSW, Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia. It also told customers in advance that they would need to purchase reusable bags for the future.
Coles was supposed to stop handing out free reusable bags from 1 August and begin charging 15 cents if shoppers didn't have a bag. However, now it looks as though the brand is taking a step back from the initiative and will be handing out these bags indefinitely.
It didn't take long for Coles to come under fire either. Greenpeace quickly criticised the brand for continuing to provide free plastic bags and step back from the original promise.
Spokeswoman, Zoe Dean told AAP that “they talked the talk but haven’t walked the walk. It’s interesting because the ban on single-use bags came as a result of pressure from customers and people calling for companies to take responsibility and stop using plastic bags".
“While a minority of people are struggling to cope, we know it’s just a matter of time for people to adapt to the change," she continued.
It isn't just companies that are expressing their disappointment as many Australians have taken to social media to comment.
This is a bad decision by Coles. Campaigns to change behaviour need a carrot and a stick. Remove the stick (e the 15c payment) and you won’t change the behaviour.
— Dee Madigan (@deemadigan) July 31, 2018
Sorry but #coles caving on the plastic bag ban is the most outrageous display of corporate cowardice I have ever seen. Customers “not coping” need psychology not free plastic bags. The gov needs to make it law and force the change. #auspol
— Chris Tanasoff (@ChrisTanasoff) July 31, 2018
Dear @Coles, I will be shopping exclusively at @woolworths & @ALDIAustralia until you enforce your plastic-bags ban. Please keep me informed as to when your corporate spine returns so that i can start shopping with you again. #auspol
— John Wren (@JohnWren1950) August 1, 2018
Woolworths still continues to ban plastic bags and has been commended for the effort. As to whether Coles will go back on not selling plastic straws, too, is still unknown. But hopefully, we will see Coles roll out a plastic bag ban sometime soon in the future.
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