Author: Stephen Johnson / Source: Big Think

- The ban was led by the private sector, though several Australian states have banned single-use plastic bags.
- Worldwide, more than 30 countries and two U.S. states have banned single-use plastic bags.
- Kroger, the largest supermarket chain in the U.S., recently announced plans to phase-out plastic bags by 2025.
The decision by Australia’s two largest supermarkets to ban plastic bags three months ago wasn’t exactly well received. At Woolworths, sales slowed during the first few weeks as customers adjusted. The rivaling Coles supermarket began giving away reusable plastic bags for free, but then started charging for them, which angered shoppers and soon caused the chain to reverse course and resume its free-giveaway program.
It was a rocky start. But three months later Australia reports an 80 percent reduction in plastic bag consumption, a cut that kept as many as 1.5 plastic bags from entering the environment, according to Australia’s National Retail Association.
Several Australian states have banned or plan to ban plastic bags, however the recent reductions were brought by the private sector.
“Retailers deserve an enormous amount of cudos for leading the way on one of the most significant changes to consumer behavior in generations and we also applaud shoppers for embracing this environmental initiative,” said NRA Manager of Industry Policy David Stout. “Indeed, some retailers are reporting reduction…
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