Shopping in Moruya is greener thanks to the BYO Bag campaign. The campaign, which closed last month, enjoyed broad support from businesses, with surveys showing most shoppers are remembering to bring reusable bags.
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"One of the biggest challenges for consumers making the move away from plastic bag waste is based on past shopping habits," Moruya Business Chamber president Jude Manahan said. "We are proud this campaign has helped change the behaviour of our shoppers."
The committee conducted face-to-face surveys with businesses last month to measure the campaign's effectiveness. The responses were overwhelmingly positive, with shoppers showing their awareness by saying no to plastic bags. Most are bringing their own bags, while others are seeking an alternative to plastic bags. More than a third of the 32 businesses surveyed had stopped supplying plastic bags since July 2018 with 25 per cent planning to stop once current stock was depleted.
"The survey confirms Moruya business are listening to their customers by moving with the times and away from single-use plastic," Ms Manahan said.
The main supply of single-use plastic bags into the environment is via business counters. Small businesses have much to contribute when they no longer offer single-use plastic bags and can also save money. The purchase of non-plastic bags in smaller quantities, reflecting fewer customers asking for bags, is more often than not equal or lower than the initial spend. While some reported an increase in cost, larger businesses reported a big saving by stopping plastic bags.
The chamber supports local businesses and strives to strengthen the town's identity, as exemplified by this campaign. The campaign is closed and the banners around town have come down, but the chamber continues to encourage businesses to cease supplying plastic bags.
"We hope customers will continue to say no to plastic bags, by bringing their own bags and seeking alternatives to plastic," Ms Manahan said. "The committee is proud the 'BYO Bag, Let's be plastic bag free, Moruya' project has been successful in strengthening Moruya's identity as a progressive and environmentally caring community. This will help us all build a confident town centre that supports and attracts business."
Moruya Business Chamber
Picture: Rachel Lord, Curtis and Cloud.