Press Release
11th December 2008

Bag the habit this Christmas

Environmental Group Kiwi Plastic Bag Concern is lining up organisations and volunteers to start another round of campaigning.

“Plastic bag use has gone crazy and major supermarkets are doing very little to stop the trend” says Angus Ho, the campaign organiser “We want to see people take their own bags when they are going Christmas shopping.”

Angus has recently returned to New Zealand from Hong Kong and is disappointed to find the promises made by the supermarket chains 2 years ago have not been effectively implemented.

“The Checkout operators don’t ask customers if they need a bag, and there are no posters or advertisements in shops. I had hoped for a lot more action than this” said Mr. Ho.

Supermarkets and the New Zealand Retailers Association say they are on track to achieve a 20% reduction in plastic bag this year, however even if they do achieve their target it is well short of the 80% reduction being achieved in other countries.

“If each of us brings our own reusable bags to carry our shopping home, we can have a “Green” Christmas instead of a “White” plastic bag Christmas.” says Mr. Ho “It is too bad the supermarkets do not take their environmental responsibilities seriously. Mainland China has implemented a mandatory charge for plastic bags this year, we would like to see the New Zealand Government do the same.”

In the next few months, Kiwi Plastic Bag Concern will line up with different environmental groups and volunteers to raise awareness about the benefits of reducing plastic bag use.

ENDS

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