Woolworths accused of not taking plastic bag ban seriously
Just days after Woolworths removed single-use plastic bags from stores, some customers are criticising the supermarket giant of using plastic bags inappropriately in other departments.
Whilst Woolworths have taken a stance against their customers using single-use plastic bags, they have been accused of failing to do so themselves.
Customers have shared images of fruit and veg in stores still being sold in plastic bags.
Uploading a photo of plastic clad fruit, one customer asked, “Does anyone think Woolworths aren't serious about reducing plastic?”
Another shopper was shocked to find that her produce had been triple-bagged.
“First online order today and my chicken fillets were packed in a deli plastic bag, then wrapped in paper, then put in a grey bag, then a produce bag and then in their 80% recyclable bags,” one person wrote.
Since the plastic bag ban, shoppers are encouraged to bring reusable bags when they do their grocery shopping or buy thicker plastic bags for 15c or the $1 green bags.
Another customer was disappointed when they found out one of Woolworths’ reusable bags is still made out of plastic.
Woolworths said the new reusable bags are a more sustainable option, however, experts claimed that each bag needs to be used between 20 to 100 times before they become better options, reported the Daily Mail.
Some shoppers have questioned Woolworths motives, believing the ban could have more to do with boosting profits than protecting the environment.
“This is supposed to be about the environment, not making money!” the shoppers said on social media.
Woolworths said some of their produce is wrapped for necessity but assured customers that the company has been significantly reducing the amount of plastic it uses.
“We're committed to playing our part in reducing plastic usage, we know there is a lot more we can be doing and this is just the start,” a Woolworths representative said on a shopper's Facebook post.
What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.