Taupo Countdown joins bag-free group

Tuesday, 14 August 2018

Countdown Taupō isn't waiting for the Government to ban single use plastic bags - it has done it already.

The Government announced last week that it would ban single use plastic bags within 12 months.

On Monday, August 13, the Taupō Countdown joined 41 other Countdown supermarkets throughout New Zealand to do away with single use bags at the checkout. Instead they have increased stocks of reusable bags. 

As of Monday, nearly a third of all Countdown supermarkets have made the bio-friendly move. 

Store Manager Jess Stubbs said they were excited, locals were excited and they have had some great feedback about it.

'The community was asking for it,' he said. 

Two members of the public were pleased with the move but thought it could be extended to the whole store, like the produce department.

'It's a good idea, I have no problem with it. But it should be right throughout the store,' Ian Hill said.

Kim from Taupō bakery Baked with Love wanted to see the plastic bags used in the fruit and vegetable section replaced with paper bags.

Countdown's General Manager Corporate Affairs, Kiri Hannifin said this year they had removed plastic packaging from bananas and would remove single-use plastic straws by October 1. 

Customer Gary Akers said it would take a while for people to adapt to it.

Countdown's first preference is that customers bring their own bags when they do their shopping. However, there is a range of alternatives available for purchase in store, including the $1 Bag for Good that can be replaced in store for free when it wears out.