Progressive under pressure to act on plastic bags

Monday 20th April

Progressive under pressure to act on plastic bags

A GetReal action in Christchurch today put pressure on Progressive to match Foodstuffs new policy of charging five cents for plastic bags.

Foodstuffs announced on Friday that they would charge five cents for plastic bags from August at all New World and Pak’n’Save stores across the country.

GetReal team leader Angus Ho visited Progressive’s Countdown supermarket at Moorhouse Ave, Christchurch this morning, and unfurled an 11 metre “No bags” banner.

He also delivered a “No more free plastic bags” report and an open letter from GetReal’s supporters to CEO Peter Smith, asking Progressive to stop giving away plastic bags for free. Progressive operates Foodtown, Woolworths, Countdown, Fresh Choice and Super Value.

The GetReal campaign was launched just over a month ago with the goal of getting supermarkets to introduce a small charge on plastic bags. GetReal teams have been traveling the South Island for the last week, talking to people on the street and collecting signatures.

"The GetReal campaign successfully gathered together people who want to see an end to free plastic bags, and we achieved real change with the announcement of Foodstuff’s new policy on Friday,” said Mr Ho.

“But our battle is not yet finished. We are now focused on Progressive Enterprises and we hope they listen to the groundswell of discontent about their current policy of giving plastic bags away.

“We encourage every shopper who cares about the environment to support Foodstuffs by taking their own bags and shopping at their New World and Pak’n Save supermarkets.

“If that happens, Progressive will quickly rethink their outdated policy of giving away plastic bags.”

Mr Ho said he has asked for a meeting with the CEO of Progressive Enterprises, Peter Smith, so that he can pass on the feedback he’s been hearing on the streets.

“I met so many people on street who wanted the supermarkets to start charging for bags. It is a win-win-win situation; a win for the environment because we stop wasting resources, a win for the supermarkets because they save money and a win for shoppers who want an end to the free plastic bag culture.

“It seems very likely to me that Progressive will see sense and follow Foodstuff’s move to introduce a small charge," said Mr Ho.

"Giving away plastic bags for free makes people behave irrationally," said Sophie Ward. "They take plastic bags they don't really need or want simply because they are free.

"The time of free plastic bags is ending. Many countries, including Australia, Ireland and Hong Kong, are taking action to reduce their plastic bag use. In New Zealand we're using over a billion bags a year. That's just crazy,” she said.

Mr Ho said the action today is a clear message to Progressive Enterprises that New Zealand shoppers want them to get serious about reducing plastic bags use.

Mr Ho also said he has written to Progressive about plastic bags several times in the past few years, but they have never responded to him.

“I hope this time the company will live up to it’s corporate social responsibilities, and will front up and take action on the issue of plastic bag over-use.”

GetReal strongly supports the money raised from a small charge on plastic bags being used to create a fund to support environmental projects. The money raised should not be used to boost supermarket’s profits.

www.getreal.org.nz

About Get Real:
GetReal was set up by a bunch of passionate Kiwis who are campaigning for better design and less waste. They want companies to use minimal packaging, and to be proud of it. GetReal is supported by environmental organisations and individuals from around the country.

Letter To Progressive Enterprises

ENDS

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