Foodstuffs reduces Plastic Bags by twelve million

Please find below a release from Foodstuffs Auckland.
MEDIA RELEASE
1 September 2009

Foodstuffs reduces Plastic Bags by twelve million in one month

Foodstuffs, through its New World and Four Square stores, has reduced plastic bag usage by twelve million bags, since August 3, this is the equivalent of 2.4 million two litre plastic bottles. This is more than a 60 per cent reduction in comparison to August 2008.

Foodstuffs Auckland Ltd. General Manager Retail Sales and Performance, Murray Jordan says, “Our intention for the introduction of the charge was to drastically reduce the number of plastic shopping bags which damage our environment and we are very pleased to have achieved this result in such a short space of time.

“Most of our customers have rallied around this initiative and recognise the environmental benefits behind it. As a result we have seen sales and use of reusable bags, skyrocket.

“While other industry-wide initiatives have also had some success, this reduction demonstrates that a charge for bags is the most effective way to bring about quick and widespread change.”

Mr. Jordan said Foodstuffs Wellington has decided to make the charge voluntary due to customer reaction in the region. Foodstuffs Auckland and Foodstuffs South Island will continue with the charge while monitoring customer feedback.

Individual Foodstuffs Auckland New World and Four Square stores are donating all of the proceeds from the charge to local community initiatives in addition to their sponsorship of Keep New Zealand Beautiful.

Note to editors

These figures are based on national purchase wholesale figures and compare August 08 to August 09.

ENDS

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