Article: Penang leads the way

Sunday July 5, 2009

STARTING tomorrow, every Monday will be "No Plastic Bags Day" in Penang. In an effort to reduce plastic bag usage and encourage the use of reusable bags, a 20-sen charge per bag will be imposed on customers.

Penang is the first state in Malaysia to come up with this initiative and proceeds will go towards the Partners Against Poverty campaign to help the poor.

At Tesco hypermarkets, customers who bring their reusable bag along with them will be given an extra two bonus points, says front end manager Ahmad Irwan Shahril Ahmad Sabri.

"We are selling our Bag for Life at RM1 each and customers can swap it for a new one after wear and tear," he says, adding that slogan writing and drawing contests will be organised to complement this green campaign.

Customers with reusable bags at Bayan Baru Giant Supermarket will be allowed to use the express checkout lane.

"We will be preparing carton boxes for impulsive shoppers who do not bring their own bags during 'No Plastic Bags Day'. There will also be bins for customers to drop recyclable plastic bags so these can be reused by other customers," says general manager Yeap Chin Chong.

M-Care group of pharmacies chairman Calvin Lim Fook Loong says that its 49 stores have been giving out non-woven fabric reusable bags with a minimum purchase of RM50 since November 2008.

"To encourage customers to return, we give a rebate of 20 sen for each bag they bring back," Lim says.

Gurney Plaza Parkson Grand has come out with a campaign to encourage the use of reusable bags.

"Our slogan is 'Save on plastic bags, save the planet' and we'll give one free tote bag with every purchase of RM200 and above. Customers can also buy the bags at a special price of RM2 each with every purchase," says senior store manager Pang Jwee Chai. – ANN TAN

Related Story:
Incentives to go green

This article was taken from: The Star Online: Lifestyle: Focus 5 July 2009