BATHURST’S Bernardi’s Supa IGA has become the first local supermarket to ban single use plastic bags.
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Single use plastic bags have been phased out by the retailer over the past month, with the store officially adopting its ‘bag ban’ on Tuesday.
Bernardi’s IGA checkout manager David Jackson said feedback from customers had been amazing.
He said the move to ban the single use bags was designed to curb waste and encourage customers to make more sustainable choices.
Customers can bring their own bags to use at the registers, or purchase reusable soft-loop bags for 10 cents, enviro bags for $1, cooler bags for $2 and hessian bags for $3.
The retailer is also offering customers free recycled produce boxes in which to pack their groceries.
“Most customers are very happy we’ve taken the step,” Mr Jackson said.
“The number of plastic bags [reusable, as opposed to one use] the store went through on Tuesday was one quarter of the amount it usually does,” he added.
Bernardi’s co-CEO Joe Bernardi said he was thrilled to be taking another step to reduce the company’s carbon footprint and had been overwhelmed with the support from customers.
