Everything you need to know about the supermarket plastic bag phase-out, which starts today

TODAY, Woolworths becomes the first supermarket to stop handing out single-use plastic bags, with Coles, IGA and Big W to follow soon. So what bags should you use instead? Here’s everything you need to know.

MUSICIAN Tim Minchin once sang about the importance of taking your canvas bags to the supermarket — and his plea has never been more pertinent, with Victorian retailers phasing out single-use plastic bags this month.

We spoke to Sustainability Victoria, Woolworths and Coles about the transition.

When will stores stop giving out single-use plastic bags?

From June 20 Woolworths stores will no longer provide flimsy grey plastic bags, while Coles, IGA and Big W stores will be rid of them by July 1.

PRAHRAN MARKET COULD BAN PLASTIC BAGS

PROBLEM WITH WOOLIES’ PLASTIC BAG BAN

Will this affect self-serve check-outs?

Not really. If you use the self-serve check-out you can either bring your own bags or buy reusable ones from the store. For the latter option, this would be a matter of scanning the bag you are purchasing along with your groceries. Plastic bags used for meats or fresh produce will still be available.

Stores are swapping free single-use plastic bags for 15c thicker, reusable plastic bags. Picture: Jerad Williams

What options are available to me in-store if I forget my reusable bags or don’t have any?

Woolworths is selling a new green reusable shopping bag with a lifetime replacement offer, with proceeds going to the Junior Landcare grants program.

Coles has released a range of tote, shoulder and chiller bags bearing art designed by school students with between 10c-30c from the sale of each $1-$3 bag going to a range of charities. Both stores will also sell thicker reusable plastic bags for 15c, which can be recycled in REDCycle bins at supermarkets.

What are the most sustainable bags I can use?

Sustainability lobbyists are encouraging consumers to wherever possible, use bags you already have at home, such as backpacks or cloth bags.

Keep some in your car and carry one with you.

Reusable cloth bags such as cotton, calico or bamboo are a more sustainable choice because they are made from natural fibres.

You could get creative and make your own reusable bags from old clothes and material. Contact your local Boomerang Bags group, through which volunteers use recycled fabric to make bags.

How environmentally friendly are the 15c thick reusable plastic bags?

Thick plastic bags require energy and resources to produce and can have significant environmental impacts if littered.

If you choose to use a thick plastic bag, reuse it as many times as possible and ensure it is recycled through the REDCycle program at the end of its life.

Plastic bags take a long time to degrade in landfill, and can produce methane emissions as they break down.

Isn’t this just a way for supermarkets to make money out of something they used to provide for free?

Supermarkets declined to answer this question.

Are ‘green bags’ (99c polypropylene bags) bad for the environment?

It generally takes more resources to produce a reusable bag than a disposable bag, but reusing a bag can improve its environmental performance. If reused enough times, a reusable bag eventually produces less greenhouse gas emissions, and consumes less energy, water, and raw materials per use, than a single-use bag.

Green bags get greener the more you use them.

Will supermarkets stop using plastic packaging for fresh produce as well?

Both Coles and Woolworths have announced programs to reduce unnecessary plastic wrapping around their fruit and vegetables.

Late last year the State Government signalled its intention to ban single use plastic bags and ran a three-month community consultation about how this should happen.

It is yet to release the results of this discussion.