Today, we announced our commitment to remove single-use, lightweight plastic bags from all stores by 1 January 2018 following overwhelming consumer support for our #BanTheBag campaign.
Since April 2017, our customers have said no to plastic over 800,000 times in support of our #BanTheBag campaign and as a result of this great effort, we will be donating $40,000 to Clean Up Australia.
Harris Farm Markets has been a long-term supporter of reducing plastic bag use, including previously partnering with Clean Up Australia on the issue, always having alternative carry bag options at the checkout and calling on the NSW Government for a state-wide ban.
Harris Farm Markets co-CEOs Angus, Luke and Tristan Harris have been campaigning for customers to make more sustainable choices at the checkout for many years.
“Today we congratulate Coles and Woolworths for making a commitment to change the trajectory of our collective pollution with a commitment to remove plastic bags in 12 months. Our shoppers have also made a significant impact by saying no to plastic bags at the checkout, with our #BanTheBag campaign delivering a $40,000 donation to Clean up Australia since April. Together we are all stronger.
“For at least 10 years we have offered our customers the choice of cardboard fruit boxes as an alternative to plastic bags. From 1 January 2018, we will also offer a range of free small single-use paper bags and reusable paper bags sold at the cheaper of 15 cents or cost price.
“We will continue to work towards an outright ban on single-use plastic bags. We believe the NSW Government needs to enact a full ban to avoid us facing a frightening future where we pollute and destroy our marine wildlife.”
Ian Kiernan AO, Chairman and founder of Clean Up Australia, commented: “Today’s announcement is another great example of how Harris Farm Markets is committed to reducing rubbish generated through shopping.
“The customer uptake of their Say NO to plastic bags campaign has prompted the complete ban of plastic bags at the checkout – which is a fantastic response.
“I congratulate the team at Harris Farm Markets and their shoppers – they have shown great leadership, paving the way for other retailers to join the push and setting the example for the NSW Government on what they should be doing. Harris Farm Markets’ support of Clean Up Australia as we work towards a state-wide ban is producing results.”
Harris Farm Markets will continue to educate customers in stores about the campaign and prompt people at checkout to say no to plastic bags in support of Clean Up Australia and a state-wide ban of single-use plastic bags.
Harris Farm Markets looks to continually create value with values, through doing good for farmers and their animals, communities and its shoppers with socially sustainable initiatives such as Imperfect Picks, Curious Cuts, Love Local, Farmer Friendly Milk and the support to ban single-use plastic bags in NSW.
