Eager to help shoppers adjust to life after single use plastics has been Port Stephens members of the Greens political party.
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The humble paper bag – the preferred option of shoppers in years gone by – has resurfaced as one option for shoppers in a post-plastic era.
“We’ve come full circle,” Port Stephens Greens treasurer Robyn Williams said.
“I can remember a time when paper was the only option.”
Members of Port Stephens Greens handed out paper bags to shoppers outside Salamander Bay Woolworths on Wednesday when the plastic ban came into effect. The recycled paper items literally bearing The Greens seal of approval.
“I would say that 70 per cent of people had remembered and had bags in their trolleys,” Ms Williams said.
“For people who had forgotten, they were happy to take a paper bag from us.
“It’s just to remind people that there are alternatives and while It would have been nice to hand out calico they’re more expensive.”
The Greens plan to hand out more of the Australian-sourced paper bags on July 1, when Australia’s other major supermarket chain joins the party.
“We look forward to Coles also stopping the supply of single use bags at the end of this month,” Ms WIlliams said.
“Port Stephens Greens will be again be giving away free paper bags on 1 July at selected Coles stores in Port Stephens.”
Woolworths bid farewell to single-use plastic bags under a new ban across the retail giant's stores on Wednesday.
Shoppers must now bring along re-usable bags or buy them at the retailer's supermarkets, BWS, Metro and petrol outlets.
