IF YOU'RE heading out grocery shopping, don't forget to take your re-usable bags.
Supermarket giant Woolworths has banned single-use plastic bags across all its stores as of June 20.
From today, shoppers will have to bring along reusable bags or buy them at the retailer's supermarkets, BWS, Metro and petrol outlets.
Coles is set to follow with a store-wide ban from July 1.
Woolworths Group chief executive Brad Banducci said the company was pleased to be removing more than 3.2 billion single-use plastic bags from circulation every year.
"This is a landmark day for us not just as a business, but for our customers and communities to help support a greener future for Australia," he said.
"We know it may take some tie for shoppers to form new habits, which is why we've been working hard to get the message out to customers to remember to bring their own bags over the past few months."
He said putting 're-usable bags' at the top of your shopping list, keeping a couple in the care or leaving a post-it note on the fridge are some simple tricks that could work as a reminder.
Queensland to join state-wide bans
While Woolworths and Coles have committed to Australia-wide bans on single-use plastic bags across all stores, the Northern Territory, the ACT, Tasmania and South Australia have already introduced total statewide bans on the bags.
And on July 1, Western Australia and Queensland will be following suit leaving NSW the only state to not have a ban on single-use plastic bags.
According to Clean-up Australia, more than 5 billion plastic bags are handed out at the checkout every year.
What if I forget my own bags?
If you get the checkout and realise you've forgotten your bags, you can buy thicker heavy-duty plastic bags at the checkout for 15 cents. Other foldable bags and freezer-type bags will also be available to purchase, for around $1.
Here are some tips on how to use less plastic bags:
- If you are buying only a few items, consider carrying them
- When shopping, take re-useable alternatives like 'green bags', bags out of long lasting washable nonplastics or baskets with you
- Make sure that you keep these bags in the car or put your car keys in your reusable bags at home so you don't forget them
- Consolidate purchases into one bag rather than getting a new bag in each store
- Remember, the thicker bags are not easily recyclable so avoid taking them, where possible
