How Many Times Do You Use The 15c Resusable Bag?

tooblue on 09/07/2018 - 09:39
Last edited 09/07/2018 - 12:02 by 1 other user

But overall, reusable bags need to be used at least 50 times in order for their environmental benefits to be realised. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-05-24/war-on-waste-what-bags…

But from the experience in my family, some of bags were already ripped, stretched and had holes after one single use. I haven't put any heavy items or sharp objects yet. Maybe a box of tissue is too sharp for them. I highly doubt these bags are able to sustain 10 uses.

Some other shops simply provide the "same" plastic bags except they are thicker than 35 microns and customers have to pay for them. I also doubt these bags cost more than 15c than the old "single use" bags to the merchants.

It is true that the 15c cost will discourage people from using them but more people still do. As long as one in 50 customers uses it as disposable bag, the benefits to the environment will diminish.

So the result of the bag ban is we the customers now pay more to do more damage to the environment, and merchants and overseas plastic bag suppliers pocket the windfall.

Food & Grocery

Comments

    • Hardwood198 on 11/07/2018 - 20:04
      -1

      Yeah I use a trolley, but just unhappy about having to buy bin liners

      • SlappersOnly on 11/07/2018 - 20:17

        I feel like i have a lifetime supply of the old plastic bags in my cupboard anyway

  • Ghost47 on 11/07/2018 - 01:03

    I don't buy the 15c bags. I overspend and get the 99c bags that I can actually reuse without having to throw out after only a few uses.

    They should have never introduced the 15c bags, only cheapskates buy them.

    • Brendoo on 11/07/2018 - 01:10
      +2

      The 15c bags easily fold up and fit in your pocket. My main reason for buying one. I can’t do that with those thicker ones.

      • Ghost47 on 11/07/2018 - 01:59

        Yeah that's fair enough. I was probably being a bit harsh.

        There are polyester bags that are compactable, as for their durability I'm not sure how long they last (could be repaired though) but they're pretty neat.

        That one I linked is pretty neat, the drawstring would presumably make compacting it faster. I've seen ones that you have to fold that has a button so you can prevent it from unfolding at the Dandenong Market.

      • kyle on 11/07/2018 - 22:33

        But the bag will then have so many creases that it won't look nice anymore.

  • Brendoo on 11/07/2018 - 01:07

    Used mine about 10x now. Pretty much as good as new. But I am only carrying things like a loaf of bread, couple of packets of potato chips, couple of light things from the deli. So the bag isn’t getting stressed.

  • bringbring on 11/07/2018 - 03:48

    50 uses is based off the very flawed scientific assumption that the bags have the same size/weight capacity.

    SBS has a more balanced article on this and apparently 10-25 uses will do.

    • HighAndDry on 11/07/2018 - 11:03
      -1

      Even if that's the right figure, that 10-25 uses needs to be the average number of uses. And now instead of only environmentally conscious people using these bags (all those coming out of the woodwork with anecdotal tales of "Oh I've used mine for 25 years!") - you've got the people who used to just chuck their plastic bags out the car window using these more resource-intensive bags too.

      • [Deactivated] on 11/07/2018 - 14:36

        Great, except even if no one reuses them the 90% reduction in usage shown in other markets will already pay for ~3 uses the 15c bags need to break even.

        You have a study to back up the 25 uses on the 15c bags, right? Because that's a ludicrous figure. Do they cost 25x more to make, ship and store?

        Because the 25 uses are for the 99c bags. Are you suggesting that people will be so outraged at the ban they'll not pay 15c for a bag, they'll buy a 99c one and throw it out right away. You're really clutching at straws here. This is hilarious.

  • schwinn on 11/07/2018 - 09:11
    +2

    If the plastic bags cost $2 instead of 0.15, would people be reusing them more? It's because they are cheap (and previously free), that's why people do not think before using them.

    • [Deactivated] on 11/07/2018 - 14:34

      Shock horror, bunnings introduced a mere 10c charge and saw their usage fall 99% over 5 years before removing them completely. 10c isn't a lot, but once people get used to having their own bag, or just carrying things they never really needed a bag for anyway usage will reduce. Up to 90% in other markets (for groceries) where a charge has been introduced.

      • Lv80 on 13/07/2018 - 10:54

        Very different models. Most people aren't walking out with 10 bags of bunnings product…and if they are its things that won't fit or be able to be carried in a placco bag..like cement bags, wood, powertools, lamps, fans…and instead use trolleys.

  • this is us on 11/07/2018 - 10:08

    Now I also have to buy plastic bags for the organic bin, and to collect the dog's waste. My new reusable bags are being used three times at best, but usually they are damaged by a hard plastic container - meat trays, for example. Someone might say that it is my faults and that I should stop buying meat now. :P

    • klonky on 11/07/2018 - 11:33

      You can buy compostable bags for your organic waste and that can go straight in to your compost bin.
      Meat containers can go in to recycling. You dont really need a bin liner for that, if it gets dirty just wash it out.

      • this is us on 12/07/2018 - 21:02

        I still have to buy compostable bags for the dog's and organic waste…
        What I said about the meat containers is that they are made of hard plastic and damage the 15c "reusable" bags. I have been using some of the stronger 99c reusable bags (the ones that I believe are in fact reusable) for years when I go to the supermarket, but I used to get some of the plastic bags with the deliveries (and with fruit/vegetables, which is still happening). I don't use plastic bags for the recyclables.

        Overall, I think the 15c bag is BS, not reusable and should not even be offered. If they want to buy the idea of being green and eco-friendly, they should give the 99c ones instead, for some time, one for each AUD 100 spent, something like that…

  • Rick505259 on 11/07/2018 - 11:00
    +4

    I'm a garbo and I've already noticed people using them to bag their garbage for landfill. Doubt it's been used 50 times in the two weeks they've been in use.

    • syousef on 11/07/2018 - 11:43

      That's okay though because it'll take 10x as long to break down as the old bags. So big win for the environment there.

      (Yes that was sarcasm for those unfamilar)

      This is good for the environment in much the same way as cutting off your arm is when you notice an infected fingernail. Problem solved!

    • [Deactivated] on 11/07/2018 - 14:32

      4 weeks (for Woolworths)? The ones that require 50 uses have been around for more than a decade. The 15c ones are less than twice as thick as the old ones and so don't need more than 3-4 uses. In any case, I doubt people are throwing out 109 million of them a week, which is apparently how many of the old ones we went through in a week. If so the supermarkets will make $850 million dollars selling the 15c ones each year, I should buy shares.

  • klonky on 11/07/2018 - 11:41
    +4

    Financially, is it worth while to be paying 15c each time to carry your stuff home and then immediately throw the bag in the bin? This does not sound like a scrupulous ozbargainer to me.

    People are having a whinge that they were once able to pollute for free (free bin liners). Now they need to pay 15c to do so. In economics this is called User Pays and is what brought us the can/bottle refund scheme.
    If you dont like that supermarkets are charging you so you can just toss your plastic in the bin, then dont buy single use plastic, find alternatives to save your money.

    • syousef on 11/07/2018 - 11:44

      The new bags, when used in landfill are much much worse for the environment because they do not break down as easily.

      If you don't mind paying for more durable bags it is great for you. It is certainly good for supermarket profits.

      BUT FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS SACRED STOP SPREADING THE BS ABOUT THIS BEING A WIN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT.

      And the can/bottle SCAM is even worse. I filled my Falcon Wagon boot just 2 days ago with bottles and cans I've been saving for months. After months of playing garbage man (but oh no you aren't allowed to crush them! so you can find somewhere in your house to store these nasty ugly things), it took me 1.5 hrs to load them, DRIVE to the relatively nearby recycling center (about 5km away), line up and collect my cash. And how much was that worth? $39.60. I really didn't need a second job as a sanitation worker. When you consider all the time over the month in addition to taking them in, it's not even minimum wage. Oh and how many chumps like me are polluting the air with unnecessary car trips dumping rubbish that could easily have gone in a recycling bin??? Environment my ass.

      • schwinn on 11/07/2018 - 11:51

        Actually we should bump the price up. The only reason why they are getting thrown in the bin is because they still cost 15 cents.

        It's a tough call. Too expensive, people will be even more outraged. Too cheap, and people's habits don't change, just like all the complaints we have now.

        If cheap plastic bags cost $2 per bag, I guarantee you their reuse rates will be increasing.

        • HighAndDry on 11/07/2018 - 11:54
          +1

          I would also start shopping at my local asian grocery, because they still give out disposable plastic bags.

        • syousef on 11/07/2018 - 11:58

          Bumping the price up to $2 won't help you. It'll help the supermarkets though, and that price will creep up guaranteed. But people will start buying elsewhere if you put the price up too much (unless you force them to buy from that particular supermarket). Heck they might even start buying bin liners with their purchase and using rubbish bags instead.

          Meanwhile until you're charging $10-$20 a bag, it won't impact the wallet enough to force reuse. People are time poor and have a lot on their plate. They'll just absorb the cost unless you make it ridiculous. In many cases you're talking about families where both people work long hours, have to manage a household, look after kids, are pressured into all kinds of after school and weekend activities, and are struggling to find the time to cook or tend house nevermind worry about $10 on the shopping bill. Why do you think so many families eat too much takeaway? There isn't a person at home full time to do the cooking anymore.

          And you've addressed none of my other points. These are SCAMs. They don't help the environment and we should be calling out companies and regulators who spin it that way while profiteering. They are adding to the problem they are pretending to solve.

        • schwinn on 11/07/2018 - 12:01
          +1

          @HighAndDry:
          That's true - as a Duopoly initiated move, the ban should be nationwide, not statewide.

        • schwinn on 11/07/2018 - 12:02

          @syousef:
          As mentioned on top, it does need to be a wider ban on plastics. South Australia, Northern Territory, Australian Capital Territory, Tasmania, Queensland, and Western Australia have banned the plastic bags for YEARS, and everyone has adapted. What does this say about the newcomers?

        • syousef on 11/07/2018 - 12:06
          -1

          @schwinn:

          If you want to ban plastic bags, then ban them. The best solution I know is to let people re-use the bulk boxes the products come packaged in when delivered to the supermarket. If the supermarkets even charged for those I'd be less annoyed. As it stands they are selling tougher, more durable plastic bags for a profit and crushing those packaging boxes in a giant machine at the back of the store as they always have.

          The changes you're seeing have NOTHING to do with improving the environment and everything to do with profiteering through spin.

          It's not just about adapting. Times change and people adapt. I don't love change but I'm happier to adapt when the change is positive.

        • Pacify on 11/07/2018 - 17:17
          +1

          to do with profiteering through spin.

          No.

          Its a small first time towards modifying people's behaviour patterns. I have a degree in Env. Science, and I can assure you that just about all changes start with small first steps. Its how the system works, you can't just wave a sledge hammer to fix everything because it never works out.

          A shopping bag ban does very little to reduce the amount of plastic weight in landfills. That's just a reality. The percentage of plastic waste that shopping bags account for is very small. But it does something that's really important within environmental issues that are related to the general public - it generates discussion and awareness. That's the real first step.

          Plus its also helping loose plastic bags not end up in waterways.

          those packaging boxes in a giant machine at the back of the store as they always have.

          Supermarkets should be offering boxes to customers, no doubt about that. Its a great way to reuse packaging while still being convenient for consumers.

        • schwinn on 12/07/2018 - 13:16
          +1

          @trongy:
          Thank you trongy, that was my mistake, I just googled what states have banned plastic bags.
          But the point stands - SA, NT, TAS, ACT, have adapted with lesser drama.

        • burningrage on 13/07/2018 - 21:37

          @schwinn:

          Err… that the biggest 2 states in Australia have better brains to see the hypocrisy through than other backwater states? (except QLD and WA which I am hoping they are maintaining their rage?)

      • klonky on 11/07/2018 - 11:59
        +1

        It is not BS and not a scam. Stop blaming the system, if the $39.60 is not worth it to you, then use your council provided recycle bin.

        • syousef on 11/07/2018 - 12:03

          It absolutely is BS and it is a SCAM.
          The stated goal is to reduce litter BUT THEY DON'T ACCEPT CRUSHED CANS!!!
          It is called "return and earn". You're earning jack shit when you factor in the time and effort.
          It is causing people to make unnecessary trips which are bad for the environment, and waste time that is better spent on other things.
          All this does is create busywork in recycling and that's about all.
          As you noted there is already a recycling bin collected by the council. If you care about the environment and litter you're already using that.

        • schwinn on 11/07/2018 - 12:06
          +1

          @syousef:
          Agree that they SHOULD accept crushed cans for recycling.

          The return and earn scheme is actually very good (when they do accept crushed cans. All you need is a box in your garage for plastic bottles, aluminum cans. 3-4 times a year, a trip to the recycling depot, it's a good lesson for kids to learn. Not sure what state you're in, but over here in SA, it actually provides a little side income for certain people who know where to find sources of cans and bottles.

        • syousef on 11/07/2018 - 12:07

          @schwinn:

          Do they accept crushed cans in SA? Because the scheme here is nonsense. I'm tired of tripping over boxes of goddamn cans and bottles.

        • schwinn on 11/07/2018 - 12:11

          @syousef:
          I just googled, according to our EPA they need it uncrushed so that the refund is visible.
          https://www.epa.sa.gov.au/environmental_info/container_depos…
          edit: Looks like they are not saying its a hard and fast rule either.

          BUT with that said, I've had no problems with my local, it makes it quicker work sorting it through. I ensure that my boxes are not mixed (purely bottles, purely cans), and I tell him I have 200 bottles, 100 cans etc. They just take it, pour it in, and pay me and I'm out.

          How long has the scheme been active where you are? Maybe it takes a while for the depot guys to figure out the easiest path and not be so strict.

        • syousef on 11/07/2018 - 12:16

          @schwinn:

          I am using the Blacktown Container Return at Kings Park. It's all done by machine there. I had only 3 containers out of 399 rejected this time around.

          I'd be happier if they did it by weight and allowed crushing. It wouldn't be so much in the way.

          BUT it wouldn't change the fact that people are making trips to the recycling depot instead of just putting them in the recycling bin. That's more CO2, more congestion on the road, more wear and tear on vehicles. What's the gain exactly? The sorting process might be easier. Certainly no one's going to bother to pick up that crushed can floating around on the street.

        • syousef on 11/07/2018 - 17:30
          +1

          @syousef:

          Typical OzB. Don't like it. Just downvote it. Who cares what is and isn't true.

      • Pacify on 11/07/2018 - 17:12
        +2

        are much much worse for the environment because they do not break down as easily.

        Plastic breaking down is the issue though. Plastic in landfills are not great, but at least its contained. Whats the real issue is plastic outside the garbage system, where it breaks down into millions of pieces of micro-plastics. Which gets in everything. Its in the water, its in the aquatic food chain, its undoubtedly in yours and mine blood system.

        Plastic bag bans don't do that much for reducing the amount of waste in the landfill, they are only a small w/w % of all plastic waste. It does however, at least reduce the probability of shopping bags escaping the garbage system.

        • [Deactivated] on 11/07/2018 - 17:22
          +1

          What you're saying is, bin liners are not that much of a problem, but the free bag people unnecessarily picked up to put their sandwich or two packs of gum in it would be, if not disposed of properly. That seems to make a heap of sense.

        • syousef on 11/07/2018 - 17:29
          -1

          Plastic breaking down is the issue though. Plastic in landfills are not great, but at least its contained

          So when you have a turtle tangled in a bag, you'd prefer the indestructible one instead of the one the turtle has some hope of getting out of because it's old and has become brittle?

          Plastic in landfills are not great, but at least its contained. Whats the real issue is plastic outside the garbage system, where it breaks down into millions of pieces of micro-plastics.

          Funny because a few years ago when they made the bags thinner to cut costs the supermarkets were waxing lyrical about the virtues of new biodegradable bags that were better for marine life. Now that they have tough 15c bag, the thin bags are the devil because zomg microplastics.

          I have news for you. Microparticles of artificial crap are in everything from soap to dishwashing liquid to cosmetics. ON PURPOSE. Where's the ban on that?

          Plastic bag bans don't do that much for reducing the amount of waste in the landfill, they are only a small w/w % of all plastic waste. It does however, at least reduce the probability of shopping bags escaping the garbage system.

          Try again. Whole bags will still escape the system just as easily. In storm water drains, blown around by the wind etc. The number may be smaller but their thickness and durability make them each a bigger hazard.

          I'll repeat again: If you want to ban plastic bags BAN THEM. Do not make them a profitable money spinner for retail outlets.

        • [Deactivated] on 13/07/2018 - 23:18
          +2

          @syousef:

          I have news for you. Microparticles of artificial crap are in everything from soap to dishwashing liquid to cosmetics. ON PURPOSE. Where's the ban on that?

          "Act on microbeads or I'll ban them, Environment Minister Greg Hunt warns cosmetic companies"
          http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-02-29/microbeads-ban-volunta…

          "Coles and Woolworths ban products containing plastic microbeads"
          https://www.smh.com.au/environment/coles-and-woolworths-ban-…

          A little over 2 years ago.

          I'll repeat again: If you want to ban plastic bags BAN THEM. Do not make them a profitable money spinner for retail outlets.

          I'm ok with that, but evidence so far is that spending is massively down at retail outlets as a result. It would be worse again without any bags. The ones you have as a stop gap while people get used to it are to stop retailers absolutely HAEMORRHAGING money. The 'money spinner' is so wrong they're even rewarding people for bringing their own bags now. News from people working there is this is a nightmare, they have huge staffing costs now trying to determine if people are bringing their own bags or nicking the 15c/99c ones. Enforcing the charge is costing more than it's bringing in, but if they give them away what you say is true. The point is it's supposed to cost people.

          What they should do, is what they do in the UK, where the funds go to a charity. That would help people not hate on a business for making a profit which is a high crime all of a sudden.

      • smartazz104 on 12/07/2018 - 13:19

        The new bags, when used in landfill are much much worse for the environment because they do not break down as easily.

        Then don't put them in the damn landfill.

        • syousef on 12/07/2018 - 17:44
          -1

          Then don't put them in the damn landfill.

          How is that any different than saying "Don't misuse the free plastic bags"??? What I do as an individual doesn't matter. What does matter is large numbers of people do. You've already had a sanitation worker tell you on this thread that he's ALREADY seeing the new bags in the bin, only a couple of weeks after they've been put out.

          Sometimes I want to shake people and yell "THIS WILL NOT WORK" because they seem willing to swallow any baloney they are fed whole.

        • [Deactivated] on 13/07/2018 - 23:12

          @syousef: Was waiting for someone outside a supermarket near the city today for 5 minutes. Saw dozens of people leave, about 50% had their own bags. 50% just carried everything by hand. Didn't see a single one buy a bag.

          You're the one swallowing your own bullshit. What large people do is proven by years of evidence worldwide, usage reduced at LEAST 70%, up to 90%. Note 90% doesn't mean 100% so NO SHIT some will be thrown out but 10% as many is still a huge win.

  • [Deactivated] on 11/07/2018 - 14:41
    +2

    The super market chains should be sued over the misleading use of the word "reusable". Every so-called "reusable" 15c bag I've bought cos the previous ones either got stretched to the point they're un-reusable again or had holes after its maiden journey home.

    And reading others replies, I am not alone. It just seems the super markets force us to buy single-use bags.

    And before some green supporter screams: you could buy one of those more sturdy-looking bags for $1/$2! I don't buy those as they are far too small to hold groceries!

    • [Deactivated] on 11/07/2018 - 16:17
      +1

      Huh? The 99c ones are bigger, that's actually the main reason I switched to them years ago. They're more comfortable to hold when full of heavy stuff too, I can barely remember what it felt like to have the thin ones loaded with cans / bottles digging into my skin.

      No one's forcing you to buy anything from supermarkets. I haven't bought a single bag from them ever.

      • [Deactivated] on 11/07/2018 - 20:08

        Hm. Can the plastic bags even hold up for carrying cans / bottles? I don't think plastic bags are designed for carrying heavy stuff. And yes, for those $1/$2 bags, carrying heavy stuff like cans is much better. But they are much smaller than the 15c ones in terms of volume area and therefore not suited to buying non-heavy spacey items like bread, veges, etc.

        And on your point 'no one's forcing you to buy anything from supermarkets.' I didn't say they are forcing us to buy the bags. My comment is purely targeted at the quality of the bags, that they're so bad, they aren't reusable - and hence, my statement 'over the misleading use of the word "reusable". I have not once mentioned them forcing us to buy anything.

        • [Deactivated] on 13/07/2018 - 11:57

          How about a combo, the heavy duty ones for cans and the lighter ones for bread etc.

  • Pacify on 11/07/2018 - 17:09
    +5

    Don't use the crappy 15c bags then? Whats wrong with all the other types of reusable bags available?

    • syousef on 11/07/2018 - 17:32
      +1

      They are all disastrous for the environment. The enviro-bags don't recycle, and those who sell and manufacture them over state their durability.

    • lasterato on 12/07/2018 - 17:55
      +2

      This. I don't understand why people aren't just buying the 99c bags and re-using them multiple times. They're durable (we have had ours for years) and they are environmentally friendly (if you keep using them).
      No one needs to use plastic bags.

      • Savas on 12/07/2018 - 18:02
        +1

        Then Woolworths should stop selling them!! That's why the bag ban is stupid

        • lasterato on 12/07/2018 - 20:36
          +1

          I agree! I don't know why they didn't just hard no the plastic bag all together…it baffles me.

  • lostn on 11/07/2018 - 20:12

    The handles on the woolies bag are only glued on (a few squiggly lines of glue). I think the handles will come off after a while unless you're only carrying light stuff in it. Be careful that it doesn't break off and you drop something valuable, or fragile.

  • Budju on 11/07/2018 - 20:43
    +3

    It's amazing that in Darwin in the NT has had this system for about 5 years and you guys are just starting it now. The funny thing is I actually thought you guys were ditching plastic bags and I thought that is great! Sadly that is a misrepresentation, you haven't ditched plastic and are only just catching up to Darwin, yes Darwin - you made it guys. I can assure you there are still a shit tonne being sold for next to nothing each day. Yes I reuse them when I can remember, probably about 60% of the time.

    • schwinn on 12/07/2018 - 08:23
      +3

      I know, right? I keep saying it - so many other states have a statewide ban (SA) has done so for about 10 years. If we can adapt, so can you guys!

  • kyle on 11/07/2018 - 22:07
    +2

    All this bag charging (and other similar charges) has strengthened my resolve to make more money so I can have the option of not being environmentally friendly.

  • youknow on 11/07/2018 - 22:49
    +3

    I've mostly bought and used Woolworths reusable bags. I treat them pretty unkindly!
    I think I'd very easily get well over 100 uses out of the $1 type. I still have some of the original ones I bought around 2010. Having said that, the plastic part in the base of the bag (used to make the base flat), usually cracks and bends by about 20-25 uses, however the bag functions fine without them.
    I have around 20 of the $0.15 kind. I only buy them because, yes, sometimes you forget to take them to the store. I think I'd easily get 15-20 uses out of them before I convert them to bin bags or similar.
    If I'd managed to stick with just the $1 variety, I am absolutely certain that it would have been more environmentally friendly, as I've only tossed about 4-5 of them in over 8 years. (We shop a lot too, family of 5)

  • ubcool on 12/07/2018 - 07:40

    so by carrying home my chicken nuggets and pack of plastic bin liners in a reusable plastic bag I am saving birds and reducing my plastic :)

    • chumlee on 12/07/2018 - 21:11

      John Howard & the orange bellied parrots thank you

  • JH100 on 12/07/2018 - 07:50

    Spare a thought for the poor cashiers having to lift the new bigger bags full of groceries.

  • kazozza on 12/07/2018 - 08:44
    +1

    Some of my bags have lasted many uses over years, some have lasted one trip. Depends on what you do with them, how you treat them and what you put in them.

  • 11112007 on 12/07/2018 - 20:16

    Had one of the Woolies 15c bags break on me yesterday after 1 use. They overpacked the bag so one of the handles was pulling off and a bottle of Coke was packed incorrectly so it nearly pierced the side.

    Took it back today, spoke to the lady at customer service, showed her the receipt and she issued an exchange.

  • Optimistic Goat on 13/07/2018 - 04:24
    +2

    As an Australian currently living abroad and travelling, nearly all of the European countries I have visited and lived charge for plastic bags.
    I understand in the transition, people may not remember to bring their own bags, but it won't take long for people to remember their own. From observing European checkouts, the purchase of plastic bags is a relatively rare occurrence. Australia is just in the transition :)

    • tooblue on 13/07/2018 - 10:16
      -3

      Nearly all of the European countries I have visited and lived charge for using public toilets. Do we need law change to pay for using public toilets? Obviously it generates waste damaging the living condition.

      Also those claim plastic ban in SA or TAS for some years, remember how many bad policies had been reversed by governments in history around the world.

      Just because something exists in other countries or last for a while doesn't mean it is right.

      • petry on 13/07/2018 - 10:38

        yeah - I mean in England they have secret inquests- soon to be expanded - mass murder hospital patients and take no legal action, and routinely cover up police negligence - Hillsborough.

        Where does Australia ship most of its immigrant police officers from? England of course - doctors as well. Rising knife crime in Australia also linked. Bout time we stopped blindly accepting the morally bankrupt English professional immigrants, and our government starts protecting us from them before Oz is as shite as England. oh hold on OZ parliaments full of em already.

        • burningrage on 13/07/2018 - 21:42

          England does have a peculiar priority where people would rather ban plastic bags and increase the Euro-V emission target than tackling murder, rape and all general crimes.

        • MementoMori on 01/08/2018 - 14:22

          @burningrage: Agenda 21/2030

    • burningrage on 13/07/2018 - 21:40

      Yes. It's called Stockholm Syndrome. Eventually we all going to yield and bow.

      THat's the sad reality. Soon paper will be targeted.

  • burningrage on 13/07/2018 - 12:47
    +1

    In the news today, the bag ban started to hurt sales for Woolies and Coles. Coles however is extending the free bag scheme

  • zombrex on 13/07/2018 - 14:31
    +2

    Every time I go to the supermarket I see people, usually men carrying as much stuff as possible by hand back to the car without a bag.
    Also see a lot of women using their own canvas bags
    It is anecdotal but I do feel the ban is reducing usage of bags which is a good thing.

    • petry on 13/07/2018 - 14:34

      every time I go I see people abusing people about not having a bag - now they want to make it a crime…..

      • kyle on 13/07/2018 - 21:54

        Geez where's the freedom of choice?

      • [Deactivated] on 14/07/2018 - 07:08

        Live in a rough neighbourhood?

    • burningrage on 13/07/2018 - 21:44

      That's strange. I saw much longer checkout time (I observed them), agitated customers not being able to hang their own custom bags (as different bags have different dimension), and staffs tending to people a lot more than before.

      I didn't see any abuse though which I thought was lucky considering all those self-serve customers looked really angry.

      • anastasiastarz on 14/07/2018 - 04:36

        This is hilarious, finally they feel the pain of BYO! When I was a check out chick I passionately hated those who bought their own bags, if it didn't have structure.

  • swen83 on 13/07/2018 - 15:32
    +2

    personally i found the original bags were better. the 15c bags appear thicker, but seem to be torn, ripped, or stretched before i even put them in the trolley. I asked the checkout lady if the bags were free the other day because they come pre-ripped.

    sadly there are some good designs for alternative bags out there, but unless you are using the specific design that works with the register counter layout that is common to woolies and coles, you are only making the whole process take even longer.

    • anastasiastarz on 14/07/2018 - 04:33
      -1

      Pretty sure the new bags are low quality so you have to keep buying them.

  • watson4884 on 13/07/2018 - 21:13

    didn't buy any 15c bags ..
    Only got 1x$2.5, 1x3.5 IGA reusable bag
    and bring one of them with us when we go shopping ;-p

  • [Deactivated] on 13/07/2018 - 23:05
    +1

    lol. They're now giving rewards points to people who DON'T buy bags because the drop in sales due to not providing free bags.

    Yeah, this was totally a conspiracy to make money.

  • anastasiastarz on 14/07/2018 - 04:16

    So I went shopping and second shop only had huge bags, so I said no thanks as item no.2 fit in the first bag I had. Then I bought some fruit, popped it in and the handle tore!! So then we sat there all sad and stressed for 20mins, before just sucking it up and buying another bag (as we had a 1.5hr trip home).

    TLDR; Always say yes to free bags, you never know when one will die on you.

  • ceteris paribus on 14/07/2018 - 11:00

    ?

  • Miss B on 14/07/2018 - 11:36
    +1

    I bought a couple of the jute bags and collected about 10 of the 15c bags when they were free. I lightly pack the plastic ones and put the heavier stuff in the jute bags. The bags all feel like they will last a long time being used in this way, but I guess I will see.

  • KupoHo on 14/07/2018 - 13:10
    +1

    I just collected a click and collect order from Woolworths and was charged $1 for a reusable bag (I couldn't remove it when I checked out). The bag is just a recycled plastic bag! Not one you get in store. It literally is a thicker bag like the ones they got rid of. Argh so annoyed as thought it was a fabric bag…did anyone else have this happen to them?

    • [Deactivated] on 14/07/2018 - 22:05
      +1

      I would complain, say it’s not of the type they selling in store for $1 and that you have been disadvantaged as an online shopper.

    • schwinn on 14/07/2018 - 22:09
      +1

      It's one of the downsides of ordering online. All your shopping comes with bags you have to pay for now. No, they don't have a solution around this yet.

  • Will Mcdonald on 16/07/2018 - 00:23
    +1

    A couple of times. Seems like an extra money making thing for coles and woolworths. Why not give paper bags which are environmentally better?

  • Baghern on 18/07/2018 - 14:16
    +1

    Havent seen Coles yet, but the Woolies one sucks, the handle won't last long.

    The bag isn't that thick, enouch.

    Aldi's 15c bag I constantly reuse as its durable, I leave it at the bottom of my backpack

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