Woolworths have been called out for what some customers deem as an inappropriate use of plastic bags, just days after removing single-use bags from their stores.
Many shoppers have been quick to point out that whilst Woolworths Australia have taken a stance against their customers using single use plastic bags, it seems their own use of the items has not slowed.
Social media users were quick to point out the fresh produce sections still offer plastic bags to hold groceries.
Woolworths have been called out for what some customers deem an inappropriate use of plastic bags, just days after single use bags were removed from the chain’s stores
‘Does anyone think Woolworths aren’t serious about reducing plastic?’ one such user asked his friends and followers, paired with an image of plastic clad fruit.
Another user was shocked to find her produce had been triple-bagged.
‘First online order today and my chicken fillets were packed in a deli plastic bag, then wrapped in paper, then put in a grey bag, then a produce bag and then in their 80% recyclable bags,’ one shopper said.
Many shoppers have been quick to point out that whilst Woolworths Australia have taken a stance against their customers using single use plastic bags, it seems their own use of the items has not slowed at all
Criticism of Woolworths not taking a step in what they are telling customers is the right direction is mounting.
Another shopper was disappointed to realise one of the new options is still made out of plastic.
Woolworths claim the new reusable bags are a most sustainable option, however experts report each bag needs to be used between 20 to 100 times before they truly become better options than single use options.
Another shopper was disappointed to realise one of the new options is still made out of plastic
Woolworths decision to charge customers for the use of the new bags has also faced backlash, leading more people down the path of suggesting the move was decided to boost profit, rather than protect the environment
‘This is supposed to be about the environment, not making money!’, the shopper vented to her social media account.
Woolworths decision to charge customers for the use of the new bags has also faced backlash, leading more people down the path of suggesting the move was decided to boost profit, rather than protect the environment.
Shoppers are now encouraged to bring reusable bags with them when they do their groceries, or to buy the thicker plastic bags for 15c each, or the $1 green bags.
Shoppers are now encouraged to bring reusable bags with them when they do their groceries, or to buy the thicker plastic bags for 15c each
However, on the first day of distribution, Yahoo reported supermarkets had already run out of green bags, forcing customers to resort to small single use fruit and vegetable bags.
‘I’m all for getting rid of plastic bags but I think it’s time the supermarkets were too,’ another frustrated shopper said.
Woolworths have struck back, saying some of their produce is wrapped for necessity, but assures shoppers it has been significantly reducing the amount of plastic it uses.
‘We’re committed to playing our part in reducing plastic usage, we know there is a lot more we can be doing and this is just the start,’ a Woolworths representative responded to a shopper’s concerns on a Facebook post.