No more plastic? Fantastic!

Countdown says it is ‘playing its part’ in dropping plastic shopping bags on Waiheke.
The island could become a national test case for the abolition of plastic grocery bags this month as our Countdown supermarket responds to a five-year local campaign.
The present store will drop all single-use plastic bags at the checkout in favour of compostable bags and reusable bags on 23 May and its new Belgium Street premises will have the plastic-bag free policy in place when it opens in the middle of June.
The move follows “a groundswell” on the island to get it free of plastic shopping bags, and the supermarket – as an important part of the community – wanted to “do right by the community”, says general manager of property, Adrian Walker.
“It’s a natural step and totally in response to the community.
“The island is its own little republic and this is the community goal.

“It makes sense for us to play our part.”
The colourful BYO Bag Waiheke Island campaign had focused on educating the community on the effect of plastic on marine life over the last five years, says the founder of the initiative to have Waiheke a plastic bag free zone, Deb Lyttle.
The campaign began with weekly sewing bees that have so far made more than 1000 numbered reusable bags out of op-shop fabrics. It has also included a hugely-attended ‘Out of the Bag’ art exhibition and popular ‘Plastic-free Fridays’ with the active participation of Countdown and other retailers.
“BYO Bag celebrates Countdown’s important initiative this year, becoming one of our local heroes, no longer offering plastic shopping bags on the island,” Deb says.
The colourful BYO Bag Waiheke Island campaign had focused on educating the community on the effect of plastic on marine life over the last five years, says the founder of the initiative to have Waiheke a plastic bag free zone, Deb Lyttle.
The campaign began with weekly sewing bees that have so far made more than 1200 numbered reusable bags out of op-shop fabrics. It has also included a hugely-attended ‘Out of the Bag’ art exhibition and popular ‘Plastic-free Fridays’ with the active participation of Countdown and other retailers.
“BYO Bag celebrates Countdown’s important initiative this year, becoming one of our local heroes, no longer offering plastic shopping bags on the island,” Deb says.
“Each plastic bag taken out of circulation makes a difference to our marine environment so we’re keen to see locals supporting Countdown, particularly because Waiheke is doing it first in New Zealand.”

In 2012 an endangered green sea turtle found dead on Motuihe Island in the Hauraki Gulf contained 58 pieces of plastic – mostly from plastic bags. 

It has also been welcomed by Waiheke Local Board chairman, Paul Walden.
“The announcement is fantastic news for the island. Our young people at school through to our elders have been pushing for this for some time, particularly given the unique waste challenges that the island has.
“It’s great to see that Countdown is supportive of our goals to be plastic bag free.”
Countdown’s operations manager for the Upper North Island, Stuart Worsnop, says the move reflects Countdown’s support for the island’s initiative to become plastic bag free.
Customers will be encouraged to bring their own reusable bags for their groceries, and Countdown’s reusable bags and new compostable bags will also be available for purchase in-store.
“Waiheke is a unique island environment. As such, there are significant challenges with rubbish needing to be transported off the island at some cost.  Waiheke is already on a journey to become plastic bag free, with many shops on the island making that change.
“At Countdown we want to support that, and we’re confident that both Waiheke residents and visitors will help support this commitment too,” says Mr Worsnop.
Onecard holders who regularly shop at Countdown Waiheke will receive vouchers for four free reusable bags. Onecard
holders will also be able to buy reusable bags in the store at a reduced rate of $1.
Customers are also welcome to bring their own bags.
Mr Worsnop says he appreciates this will be a big change for some customers.
“We would really appreciate feedback throughout this process, whether that’s in store or by email.” He says customers will be able to email their feedback to feedback@countdown.co.nz
New Zealand is lagging behind other countries and American cities in introducing bans on single-use plastic bags. We use over 1.6 billion plastic bags in the home every year and Countdown joins a number of other large firms including the Warehouse in moving to reduce their use. •

Plastic bag-free campaign success says Green Party MP

The decision by Countdown Waiheke to stop using single use plastic shopping bags at the checkout follows a nationwide campaign by Waiheke based Green Party MP Denise Roche.
“It’s fantastic that Waiheke is leading on phasing out plastic bags, and I urge other supermarkets around the country to take up the initiative. However, it is easier for the Government to introduce legislation than each and every community having to convince each and every supermarket to start charging for plastic bags,” Green Party waste spokesperson Denise Roche said.
“Last year, more than 16,000 people signed a petition to stop single use plastic bags, and more than 700 people attended my 28 public meetings around the country.
“That petition is currently being considered by the Local Government and Environment Select Committee, and MPs have the ability to protect our environment by committing to a charge on plastic bags.
“The Government cannot continue to ignore the plastic bag problem littering our countryside and oceans. Dolphins and turtles die from choking on carelessly disposed plastic bags.
“The people of Waiheke have done a fantastic job convincing Countdown to change, and the Government can listen to people all around New Zealand who also want to see plastic bag use phased out.
“A consistent and fair charge for plastic bags is being done in a number of other countries, such as Britain, and New Zealand can do the same.
“New Zealand goes through one billion plastic bags a year, and this could be easily reduced by bringing in a charge for plastic bags.
“Waiheke Island will now start seeing fewer plastic bags stuck in trees and floating on the beach; the rest of the country can have that too,” Ms Roche said. •