Removing recycled plastic bags

mustang6000

We use the cloth bags now and always have a few in the car.

Darell32299379

I usual bring my own in and i wouldn't pay

Mel

Wow, recycled plastic bags, paper bags, no bags. When will this end? If most recycled plastic bags decompose, why do we need something else? Give people an option, sure, but why tell us what we have to use. I will not use a paper bag when it can tear and break when my perfectly useable recycled plastic bag can be used. I make sure to bring my own plastic or cloth bag to the shops, but on those rare occasions that I forget, I will not purchase a paper bag.

Jen88

I would like know where the money goes, does it go towards making the bags or for supermarkets to buy them? Shouldn't have to pay for a supermarket to go green in my opinion.

gilbe

this great to see this very special to all of you do this,,,,

margcafe

I have always taken my own bags, people should just except it and get over the plastic use. But as for paying 20c for paper use why not, I won't but others can.

Luvmydogs

When you stop & think about it, so many things we use in our daily lives are made from some form of plastic! Yes, we really do need to be more aware of the amount of plastic we all use. I always take my own bags when shopping & I can also remember the days when having your groceries packed into paper bags was the norm, but I'm fairly confident in saying that the supermarkets just supplied them & you didn't have to pay 20c for one. And those old paper bags didn't have handles so weren't all that easy to move around, especially when packed full of groceries.

Big peter

20cper bag is no problem

Big peter

why do we need plastic bags? we used to get along without them,in the pas we had cloth bags,string or paper bags ; what has changed? industry started to use plastic,then civilians started to use plastic.what drove the change? Industry,because it was and is cheaper and more convenient to use plastic in most packaging . Industry should be responsible for research into how we can and should recycle plastics; they are the ones responsible for the "Plastic Age"

ConnieG

It should always byo bag .

Con D. Oriano

Honestly we humans think of the most random solutions.

Plastic bags, straws?
Yes it makes a small difference but it’s not a holistic lifestyle change which can only happen when the many corporations and supply chains also make changes. Many supermarkets use 10 times the amount of plastic wrap for each pallet when shipping. And they don’t get recycled. What is a plastic bag compared to a full pallet?!

Society can’t just pin the blame on individuals - we are only buying what is available to us.

What about bottles, shower containers, toothbrushes
Toothpaste containers etc.
We need to have collection bins at supermarkets to deposit our used containers to be reused.

Recycling is almost never financially effective. But cleaning and reusing bottles and containers is much more effective.

Most Plastics are already recyclable. But we don’t have any recycling facilities in Australia. We just put it in a separate bin and ship it over to Indonesia and China, who have now stopped buying our rubbish.
And they didn’t recycle, they just burned it so that we could feel good.

It’s all a scam, designed by the corporations to stop outcry because we think we are making a difference.
We’re not.

pinkfaerie2210

While I prefer to BYO bag (and generally do), there are some instances where this is not possible - i.e. unplanned trips, and so a 20c paper bag alternative is acceptable.
I should say though, that paper bags don't always cut it! When you have things that may leak/are damp, they can break easily. Also, it's harder to pack things into a paper as opposed to plastic bag which is more malleable and generally can withstand more weight. I feel both options (paper and plastic) should be available, but perhaps the plastic is available at a higher cost (i.e. $1 each) to incentivise people to pick the paper version but also allow plastic to be available in those instances where paper just isn't enough.

jtmorri

It is a great thing that we are environmentally conscious when shopping.
I certainly agree that paying 20 cents is reasonable for a paper bag alternative at the shops. Customers are always asked if they want/need a bag so it is their own choice to whether they wish to pay for it or not. Some people may not have taken their own bag or forgotten and others may not want a bag at all and are happy to place items back in the trolley and out to their car. I know some people have a box in the back of their car to put the items in and then carry the box in at home, so whatever works for the individual.

I personally always remember to take my own bags from home. I also never place fruit in the plastic bags at the fresh produce section, they go in my trolley singular and I am happy to see the net bags you can purchase and reuse for smaller/many items. It did take me awhile to form this habit initially but now it is second nature to me and part of my routine in leaving the house to go shopping along with remembering my list, pen, handbag, glasses, keys, mobile and any vouchers I may have.

The paper bags are a better alternative to the plastic bags that were being offered so I applaud the shops in bringing them in. They were the only bags available to my family when I was little. We'd go to Charlie Carters and the fruit would be placed and twirled in paper bags and all the shopping would be packed into stiff stand up tall brown paper bags that you had to carry from the bottom if you only had one or two and not trolley so nothing would fall through the bottom and break. The worst thing that happened was for convenience moving to the plastic shopping bags which were cheaper for the shops to supply as well. It was seen as a revolution in the 1970's but has caused multiple environmental issues of waste, toxicity and contamination.

I would love to see everyone taking their own bags from home or using the items back bare into the trolley system, without either category of customer purchasing any brown paper bags from the store. People need to decide for themselves how environmentally friendly they wish to be for shopping and enact the behaviours that sit with their own ideals. For some people it may come down to disorganisation, not caring or laziness and in such cases it would be more difficult to have such people change their behaviour.

betty

Well even paper bags maybe destroying forest,bring your own shopping bags,easy

pepii

I usual bring my own in and i wouldn't pay .20cent on a bag.

Lynstar59

i think the option to purchase a paper bag should stay as you dont always have a cloth bag on you

Angieg

Paper bags come from trees so it's not exactly an eco friendly alternative. Also, paper bags split and frozen goods cause sogginess. We all want to use less plastic, so getting rid of the recyclable plastic bags is a positive move. I have strong material bags that I take with me whenever I do grocery shopping ... it is not that hard!

jatz50

I just don't get it. I remember shopping with my mum when little and it was always packed in paper bags but then the greenies came along and stopped all that because it meant chopping down trees so the plastic bags came and had been around for a while and then climate change happened so it was out with the tie plastic bags and in come the canvas bags that you have to lug into the shops everytime you do shopping now. It is only now that I can remember to take in my canvas bags for shopping and just take what I think I need for that grocery shop.

I have had plastic bags given to me by shops and they do break down as I had some in another bag and when I went to get them, I thought a mouse had been in there eating them but nope, they were just breaking down all by themselves.

They go on about plastic this and plastic that but what about those items done in plastic that takes a chainsaw to actually try and get them to open without cutting yourself. Gosh, I would give anything to just go back to when I was a kid growing up in the 60s. Life was so much easier then.

jatz50

You are so right. Back in the days we remember the paper bags were given freely and most of us used them to line our kitchen bins or other uses.

Yes I remember my mum lining the bins with the paper bags. I can see her also putting her vegetable peelings into the bag and then throwing it all on her compost pile. I remember I also had a budgie and lined the cage with the paper bag instead of using newspaper as my budgie loved to chew the paper.

Sunshine51

I just don't get it. I remember shopping with my mum when little and it was always packed in paper bags but then the greenies came along and stopped all that because it meant chopping down trees...

You are so right. Back in the days we remember the paper bags were given freely and most of us used them to line our kitchen bins or other uses.

doxdeb

I would be more than happy to pay 20 cents for a paper bag, more for the convenience and knocking that at least it can decompose or be recycled. I have the green bags that you get from supermarket and have them in the car but find that I forget to take them in the shop with me. I also have the tiny little 99c bags that you get from Woolworths that fold up very small and do not take up much room in my bag, so good for small shopping top ups

Peter32263870

I always bring byo bags but sometimes I need more than I bring, no problem if you have a trolley….just take it to the car and pack into spare babes. The payment for the paper bag is good as it trains your behaviour and you can recycle the paper bag.

Emerald

Considering recycle-able bags are made from 80% recycled plastic and can be re-used multiple times, I see no issue in using them. They can be taken back to stores as Red Cycle. Paper bags will cost more, won't last past one use and Tree's have to be sacrificed for them. Not a good idea there. Alternately buy you own bags cheaply at Cheap as Chips or Reject Shop. They will last even longer.

Ferg

I take my own bags, don't see the point of buying bags as it is an extra cost. Just let people know that our family had timber mills in WA. till the greenies cut our log truck brakes i was only 12 and my cousin who was driver and i nearly lost our life and the politicians and police didn't care, We had to plant 2 trees for every one chopped down, also we had a govt forester who told us which tree we could take. We also have family members who are farmers as far as i can remember droughts and rain are part of farming

1234

Ideally byo material bags are the way to go. It becomes habit in a short space of time and if you forget it's easy enough to carry the goods or just pack loose in the trolley and pack them directly into the car. Paper grocery bags were the norm in the sixties but isn't that as environmentally unfriendly requiring cutting down of trees. Every little bit helps but personally I think disposable nappies should be primary focus. Think of the massive amount of nappies going into landfill world wide every day. They will still exist long after the baby has passed from old age. Thats a frightening thought Time to go back to cloth nappies!.

weerobby

I always, (well nearly always), bring my own shopping bags. Some are cloth, some are the larger plastic bags from either of the two top super markets. My main bags are both insulated, one was bought in Millicent SA some years ago and is getting a bit grotty on the outside,

tlw

I always take my own shopping bags, which I find works better for me as I can pack my groceries into the type of bag that works best for me.

knaufie

I will be happy to keep bringing my own cloth bags, when the supermarkets reduce the amount of plastic in the pre-packed products; fruit, veg, and pantry items!

pasar

$0.20 for a paper alternative is a good transition step to bringing your own bag. However, some items will still need to be paper-wrapped (e.g. deli). We have all witnessed too much rubbish strewn everywhere and complained. We can be part of the solution or the problem. Choose wisely

Rooster 1

i cant see the big deal here,,,,, we dont get plastic bags at the checkout,,, which in a lot of cases, are reused,, instead we have to buy plastic bags ,,,, another money making racket,,,, I dont see that we have to pay at all for bags at supermarkets,,, they make enough money out of us

Anonymous

The brown paper bags should be free

jjdrer

Paper Bags can very rarely be re-used. Definitely not if you put anything damp in them at all.
Some items split paper bags easily. Paper bags do not always break down as quickly as we are led to believe. I have re-used plastic bags for since the late 1990s. Recycle-able ones were introduced later than that. In fact one South Australian family owned Foodland group introduced a reward card which they stamped when you took you own bags. When you card was full you got $1.00 off your next grocery bill with them. It was surprising how much we saved. Bear in mind we were a family of 2, not the average size family. I made some fabric bags which are very strong too. When the re-cyclable bags split too much to use I put my rubbish in and knot their handles rather than let all the loose rubbish float through the air when my rubbish bin is emptied.

suki31999189

I think it should be byo only.

Brown paper bags aren’t any better for the environment. We are still cutting down trees to produce the bag. Yes it’s better when we are finished using it as it breaks down quicker but it’s still wasteful. The problem I see is if an item leaks and the bag gets weak and breaks. People we ask for a double bag, one bag in another bag or will just ask for the plastic bag. Which isn’t good for the environment. If we get into the habit or routine of bring our own I think it’s beneficial for ourselves and of course or planet.

suki31999189

Not only the loss of trees but how much "power" do you need to cut the trees down and produce the bags compared to using re-cycled plastic to make re-cycled plastic bags.

Yes good point!

jjdrer

I think it should be byo only.

Brown paper bags aren’t any better for the environment. We are still cutting down trees to produce the bag. Yes it’s better when we are finished using it as...

Not only the loss of trees but how much "power" do you need to cut the trees down and produce the bags compared to using re-cycled plastic to make re-cycled plastic bags.

Mondayitis

Have no issue with this. I've been using my own bags since long before the bag ban. Only thing is that it's important to give the bags a good clean after use so they don't grow yuckiness

lightning1955

My view is that bringing your own bags is the answer. The supermarkets are making a killing by providing the recyclable bags and at the same time are reducing staff in alarming numbers by putting in self-serve registers Appalling on their behalf as it seems to be all about the shareholders and nit the customer.

bc

Its educating the public ... I have BYO bags for ages now, boxes are great also. I agree that the supermarkets should provide paper bags for purchase. The world needs to stop producing plastic. But whilst bags are a big issue, packaging is another which needs addressing. Honestly, we really need to regress to the old corner shops where people used to get so much. flour, sugar etc from bulk stores and pay for what you get by weight...bring your own containers....the multi corporate world needs a huge change, so much so I doubt it will ever happen.
In the meantime, I am more than happy to take my own bags and have a box where I out individual items of fruit and veg....I think that shopping trolleys need to be amended to have a 'tray' in the bottom where you can fit a box and fill with apples, avocados, tomatoes etc. The big supermarket chains should cease packaging these items in packets and sell individual only where the customer selects. Meat should be the same too....but have a butcher you ask to serve you...the amount they save on plastic trays and people behind the scene packaging can go towards putting people in the stores serving...more personal and keeps people in jobs.

jjdrer

Its educating the public ... I have BYO bags for ages now, boxes are great also. I agree that the supermarkets should provide paper bags for purchase. The world needs to stop producing plastic. But...

A few country stores actually supply boxes near the check-outs. You can choose the size you want and the checkout person puts your items straight into the boxes for you. They simply open the cartons cutting them a different way and put the stock on the shelves which they regularly re-fill, not expect you to try to get items out of cartons.

Rossissmellingtheroses

I cannot see a problem to use BYO bags in any form. They can be folded to fit in a handbag or kept in a pocket in the car, ready for multiple future use, as can plastic bags. Likewise, if circumstances dictate, I cannot see a problem for paying 20c for a paper bag. The paper bags I have seen are sufficiently robust for multiple use. In all cases, it is just a matter of becoming in the habit of being organised.

AdelaideM

I don't mind paying the money for those few times when I've forgotten my reusable bag, but I absolutely think we're moving to a BYO bag only option. That doesn't bother me at all, most of us have heaps of bags at home anyway, and I did buy a proper one from a nice little shop the other day and it's an absolute life saver cause it has so many pockets!
I think they'll always need an option to purchase something though, as it's too easy to just forget to bring something in, or to be running past the shops and just pick something up, but I think overall we're heading towards a BYO bag situation.

boppa99

I think it's a Great ldea for our Environment,l think it's a strange idea too,As they got rid of the plastic bags first,Then you got into the thinking the new bags were environmentally friendly and charging 10 cent,I thought that was another big profit for Supermarkets and now they want to let that go,lam not that happy that Supermarkets found another way to put up the price too 20 cent for paper bag.
Only if l need it ,will still try to bring my back pack for my Groceries.

melsdestiny

I think this is a great idea as we've been taking our own bags for ages now. I couldn't justify those paper bags even at $0.20 because they are not made to continually hold heavy items. Great for your light things but nothing more. The woven bags are awesome but the plastic in the bottom constantly breaks and I've noticed a serious decline in the quality of those bags compared to when they first came out on the market. The green bags Woolworths sell are horrible quality for $1, they break and the stitching falls apart. I'm happy to pay to buy bags that I'll use forever but I want them to be worth it.
Woolworths lets you take those green bags back when they break and they replace them, isn't that just as bad. Just sell a quality product to begin with.

Danni30723977

I try and take my own bags when I shop and keep a folded bag in my handbag for those incidental shops. However I still think there is a place for paper bags at a cost when a customer would like it.

prod001

In addition to my last comment, when are supermarkets going to pressure manufacturers to get serious about the ridiculous amount of packaging on products?

prod001

I use these over and over over many months. I find them very convenient. I do understand the concerns about plastic, but offering a paper bag as a replacement is no good, they just won't hold heavier products. I would like to see supermarkets have those woven bags at a much lower price, around 25 cents would really encourage shoppers to make the change. Then I'd know they're serious about cleaning up the environment.

Bella4927

I think we should have BYO only. I think either way decompostable plastic or paper (whether it is plantation trees or not) it still affects the world negatively. I would prefer BYO to use over and over as they are stronger and wont be a single use to throw away. Which is what we need to do as a society by recycling and repurposing old products over and over to stop creating landfill and waste.

Aging blonde

At times I think the world is going crazy with the initial introduction of so much disposable rubbish and now after decades of use we decide it isn't good for the environment after all. The production of such plastics was probably more damaging to the environment than the product itself if it was used responsibly. Sadly plastic bags were so readily available and free, that consumers just threw them away without a thought on how they impact the environment. Charging for any bag is just another way for multi national companies to profit from the consumer. We pay highly for all packaging, and not so much for the actual contents. If we were able to refill our supply needs with reusable containers there would be so little waste but sadly we have become a disposable society where everything is thrown out once we no longer wish to use it. I use the plastic bags that we pack our loose fruit and vegetables in at the supermarket as my home rubbish bags as these bags are quite flimsy and they disintegrate quite rapidly too and it is my way of recycling what I can. I take my own shopping bags to the supermarket too and never buy their bags at the check out.

valume

Removing all plastic bags from supermarket shopping is the ultimate goal. Good to see all the other available options if one forgets to bring your own bag. Re-use of cardboard boxes and purchase of paper bags are at least one way to address this. The Boomerang bag idea has also worked well in some areas. Changing the culture of the convenience of plastic bags will take some time. Bad habits are difficult to break but sure we can achieve a better outcome for the environment with conscious effort.

Ellie 30656027

No why should I pay for paper bags. I don’t care I can bring my own bags. I’m used to it now.

kellie84

I 100% agree to paying for environmentally friendly alternatives. There is no planet B. If every person did their bit, it would LITERALLY change the world, and save our Earth.

beavis

I think any move away from plastics of any form is a step in the right direction. I have been bringing my own shopping bags for years now and have never purchased a plastic bag and bringing back paper bags is a better option, take me back to how it used to be, paper bags were the only alternative and they were free.

Tracyb

I have been bringing my own bags for years now. They are always in the car. I just remember to take them now it has become a routine.

James32088622

I try to bring my own bags when shopping and I keep a material fold up bag in my handbag. However the option of a paper bag at a cost is also reasonable for those times you forget

rocky19275

I believe that the banning of plastic bags will only increase the sale of bin bags or similar as most people re-use the bags in their kitchen bins or for transporting goods and paper bags are unsuitable.

There are also times when I would much prefer to put my shopping in a plastic bag, not paper. For example; cold items.

purplesp8y

We need to go back to the future........
I remember shopping with my mum and taking string grocery bags and using cardboard boxes for groceries. All supermarkets would throw their boxes into a section at the front of the store where you could take as many as you wanted (much like Bunnings do now). Then plastic came along and laziness and stupidity set in. Checkouts would use 1 plastic bag for 1 item, double plastic bags, they were a throwaway item with nobody thinking of the future or the environment. Then recycleable plastic bags, slightly better as eventually they'll decompose, but still they were overused.
Would I agree to pay for a paper bag alternative....NEVER. I have never paid for any type of shopping bag. I have reusable cloth/calico bags always in my car. In the rare times I've forgotten to take my bags into the supermarket, I wheel the trolley to my car and pack them into the bags there. I also have a foldup carry bag that clips onto my handbag that I can use when shopping at other retail shops and buy something on the spur of the moment. There really is no excuse for ever paying for a carry bag.
BYO is the way to go plus bring back the humble cardboard box. Leave it in the boot of the car, it will always come in handy.

spinner1

The removal of plastic bags appears to be a big win for major retailers as they can now charge for their thicker heavier duty bags, and not about the environment at all. A return to the paper bag and box would not be considered as there is no money in it.

Jean max32080772

The removal of plastic bags appears to be a big win for major retailers as they can now charge for their thicker heavier duty bags, and not about the environment at all. A return to the paper bag...

Yes it’s a big win for retailers but they are in business to make money and for now they need consumers to spend so an alternative paper bag would need to present as they need customer loyalty.

amazon69

All bags should be removed thus ensuring people bring their own and providing less waste.

kidwithsmurf

I am going to break my discussion into four points as follows:

1. Environmental impact of recyclable plastics and paper bags
2. Should we have a charge for paper bags
3. Should shopping change to BYO bag only
4. Conclusion

Firstly, before we get into if I agree with the switch to paper bags from recyclable plastics, we must look at the environmental effects of both. When it comes to the environmental impact of recycled plastic bags vs paper bags it is all up in the air for numerous reasons. This is because you have to look at how both are made, how long both take to recycle/decompose, how many times a recycled plastic bag is reused vs how many times a paper bag can be reused etc. As I am no scientist and have no knowledge on how they are made, how long they take to decompose/recycle etc, I will focus mainly on the re-usability of both as I do have user experience. I also will touch on biodegradability as I believe that recyclable plastic bags cannot be decomposed whereas paper bags can.

When it comes to re-usability in terms of how many times a recycled plastic bag can be reused over paper, numerous factors play a part. These factors that everyday shoppers would consider in my opinion (IMO) would be durability, weatherproof, tear proof, spillage proof etc. When taking these factors into account, IMO, a recyclable plastic bag can be reused more times than a paper bag, which this alone makes using recyclable plastic bags the better choice. This is because the recyclable plastic bags can be used numerous times again and again whereas paper bags can be torn, are not waterproof/liquid proof and only have a limited number of reuses before they need to be recycled/decomposed. Therefore, environmentally I believe both recyclable plastic bags and paper bags both have good and bad environmental effects.

Thus, we must weigh up whether having less recyclable non-biodegradable plastic bags is a better option than having more biodegradable paper bags. The answer is not as clear since not every recyclable plastic bag will make it to the landfill or be recycled and will fall into our waterways/environment. Whereas with paper bags if they end up in water ways/environment they will be less likely to be a long term problem due to being biodegradable. That said though, for example, if people use a paper bag 5 times for every 20 uses they get from a recyclable plastic bag and say 25% of both end up in the environment… that is still a potential hazard given more paper bags would end up as litter and take time to biodegrade. Thus, reusing a recyclable plastic bag IMO still outweighs paper bags.

However, even though, IMO, if used correctly recyclable plastic bags are the better option between paper and recyclable… if paper was the only option to choose from, I would agree to pay 0.20 for an alternative paper bag. I would pay this as there are times I've gone to the shop and either brought more items than can fit in the bags I brought with me or have gone to the shops and not had any bags at all on me. Therefore, I would find BYO bags annoying and not helpful at all.

Although, I think if major shopping outlets were to stop offering shopping bags and everyone had to BYO a bag, I think everyone would adapt quickly. This would make shoppers get it out of their head that they need to buy a bag every time they shop. Hence shopping habits would change to make you only buy what you can fit in the bag you have brought with you. Thus, quickly eliminating the argument between are recyclable plastic bags better than paper bags because these would no longer be an option. If they aren’t an option anymore, then there would be less bags ending up in the environment and less environmental impact to make them/recycle them etc.

Furthermore, as BYO bags only isn’t the case just yet, there should be a charge for the paper bag as the fee even though it's cheap makes people stop and think do I really need a bag? It also makes people think to either bring their own bag or use less bags because they don't want to pay for more/another. Also, if paper bags were even cheaper and or free, there would be an abundance of bags and these even though they may be biodegradable, still take time to biodegrade as far as I'm aware. This would still be catastrophic to our water ways/environment until they did fully decompose if people were just throwing them away anywhere instead of in the correct bin.

Overall, we need to slowly edge towards BYO bags for shopping that can be used multiple times to stop bags ending up in the environment and having an unnecessary abundant number of bags being recycled/made. Thus, for now paper bag alternatives are a great short term idea, until they can be phased out for BYO bags, even though as mentioned paper bags are not as reusable in the long term.

Lastly, major shopping outlets should be encouraging shoppers to bring their own biodegradable/recyclable/reusable bag shopping as there would be less bags in circulation causing a more positive impact on the environment.

kidwithsmurf

Firstly an excellent analysis and option piece. We are all on this journey together. People will adapt overtime to BYO and use of paper bags in the short term is a next big step forward in changing...

You're very welcome and I'm very glad you liked reading my views and opinions on your topic. I agree that we are all on this journey together and if we want to continue the journey we need to do what is best not only for ourselves but our future generation.

Thus, I believe paper bags should be a short term solution until we have trained everyone to have the mentality to own, bring and reuse as few bags as possible and always bring them when going out where possible to help the economic impact of shopping bags, recycle-able or not.

I also believe that human beings in general do not like change. Hence why we have to slowly edge towards BYO bags, starting with paper bags and slowly phasing them out until people get used to only being able to bring their own bags.

But yes, al this said, it will be interesting to see how Australia and the world changes and adapts to paper bags and what is to come next with BYO bags. Furthermore, seeing what BYO bags can/will be invented in the near future that can be reused time and time again without the need to throw them away or replace them will be just as interesting.

On a whole, I am being hopeful and anticipating good times ahead where when it comes to shopping and bags I hope people have the environment as their number one goal and not profits.

Again, thank-you for the reply, enjoying my views and opinions.

Jean max32080772

I am going to break my discussion into four points as follows:

1. Environmental impact of recyclable plastics and paper bags
2. Should we have a charge for paper bags
3. Should...

Firstly an excellent analysis and option piece. We are all on this journey together. People will adapt overtime to BYO and use of paper bags in the short term is a next big step forward in changing how we shop. It will be interesting to see how our shopping culture changes.
Thanks for your views - it educates people in this community too.

Captured

Paper bags i believe should be FREE as paper will much more easily fall apart and not be able to be reused as near as much as what a 15c plastic bag was able to be reused.
I am happy to pay the $1 for the green/reusable and a bit more for those zippered fridge bags too, i could use those for well over a year for a multitude of purposes.

Even better, why not have the large cage at the front of the store with the cardboard boxes like they used to have? That would be better for the environment.

pothum

Everyone grumbled when they went to plastic bags and then recycle plastic bags Going back to paperbags will help the environment and if I need one I have no objections to paying 20c as if I need bags now I pay 15c for plastic. It might encourage me to remember my bags more often

gayeelizabeth

I wont & have not paid for a plastic bag as I have used my own bags since 2000 & in the last few years have been using my own mesh bags for fruit & veggies

bube

I think it is a great idea, for many years i have been bringing my own bags

Keerah1

I think it is a great idea, for many years i have been bringing my own bags

Me too. The light weight ones.

Jean max32080772

I think it is a great idea, for many years i have been bringing my own bags

Yes, I think it’s a fantastic idea too. It also raises awareness in society and to the next generation that action is being taken now to reduce plastic waste and the of the environment is everybody’s responsibility.

Lynjoywal

I'm pleased to see the end of the recycle-able plastic bags and I have found that the paper bags are just as good, if not better BUT I can't believe that we will have to pay 20 cents for a paper bag. The supermarkets have had a pretty good time since the one-use plastic bags were eliminated. Supermarkets used to absorb the cost of the one-use bags so they are financially better off with not having to provide them - they would already have been costed into all items that we buy. This said, how come they can't offer a better deal for the paper bags? Paper bags would be a great back up for when we forget to bring our BYO bags but at 20 cents I would think twice about purchasing them. I'm an aged pensioner so anything that increases the cost of my shopping has to be considered very carefully. Sounds like revenue raising to me.

Keerah1

I agree with you. It does raise revenue for the paper alternative.I’m not sure whether the paper bag is stronger, hence it would cost $0.20. However, the clear option is to be prepared and carry...

Thank you for your reply

Jean max32080772

I'm pleased to see the end of the recycle-able plastic bags and I have found that the paper bags are just as good, if not better BUT I can't believe that we will have to pay 20 cents for a paper...

I agree with you. It does raise revenue for the paper alternative.I’m not sure whether the paper bag is stronger, hence it would cost $0.20. However, the clear option is to be prepared and carry your own BYO alternative bag.

Keerah1

I think it’s great to charge 20c for a paper bag. It makes you think to bring a bag. It’s a turn off to have to purchase a bag. This is why I place 4 light bags in my hand bag(the ones you can roll and they feel like parachute material) yes that’s the one😃😃😃 Also some shops are recycling plastic bag by making clothes out of them with cotton. Is it H & M stores???🤔🤔🤔

Jean max32080772

I think it’s great to charge 20c for a paper bag. It makes you think to bring a bag. It’s a turn off to have to purchase a bag. This is why I place 4 light bags in my hand bag(the ones you can roll...

Woolworths and big W wants to kick this off. However I feel other retailers will follow soon. If it’s a good habit that we carry our own - well we can save and also give our little helping hand for our fragile environment.

carpentereng

I am quite happy to pay extra for paper bags in order to avoid plastic bags if i am ordering groceries online. If i am shopping in store i much prefer to use my own reusable bags to avoid even the paper bags as even the paper has to be remanufactured from recycled paper which still uses resources and energy.

Jean max32080772

I am quite happy to pay extra for paper bags in order to avoid plastic bags if i am ordering groceries online. If i am shopping in store i much prefer to use my own reusable bags to avoid even the...

Agree with you. Yes I’m more than happy to use my own. I’ve collected and purchased many reusable bags. The cooler bags are so handy too.

Mariam31980369

5 cents rather than 20 might cause less grievances. Lots use the plastic bags as rubish bags so this would increase household costs. They would have to buy a pretty much useless paper bag as well as extra plastic bags fir the home bin. Not everybody prepares for a weekly shop so therefore not everyone is alwayse prepared witg reusable bags.

rondagf

Years and years ago I found some fabulous BYO shopping bags online - sadly I now can't remember where I found them - but they're made of some sort of very strong but very light-weight silky fabric in fabulous plain colours; they fold up to almost nothing so, when they're not being used, they just live in the bottom of my handbag so I don't have to remember to get them before I go to the supermarket. One of the best planet-saving purchases I've ever made!

CatTracey

I think paper bags should be available for those who come in to grab a couple of things but end up getting more. But lean toward BYO. We already do this pretty much in Sth Australia