RH Hypermart holds plastic-bag free day to promote ban

RH Hypermart, in its efforts to promote environmentally conscious shopping, trialed a plastic-bag free day yesterday.
“We had a trial today to learn about the areas that need to be focused to ensure we continue to educate and support our customers,” RH Hypermart assistant general manager Phil Ager said.
The one-day trial saw RH Hypermart staff packing groceries in cartons, eco-friendly bags and paper bags at the Vision City mall.
“Plastic bags are one contributing factor of pollution on streets, down rivers and oceans,” he said.
“We believe the long term answer lies with using eco bags that can be used repeatedly and are ideal for heavy items.”
In support of the use of other packaging approaches, RH Hypermart reduced the price of the eco-friendly bags to K2.50 and customers could buy one and get one free or receive one free with every K200 worth of shopping.
Ager said RH Hypermart would have a monthly plastic bag free day and eventually make it once a week with the aim to eventually transition from plastic bags to more environmentally friendly options.
Representatives from the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority were present to observe the day and thanked RH Hypermart for its effort in support of the government’s initiative to ban plastic bags.
The ban is expected to take effect in November.
Brian Bell, Street Scene and Phone Haus according to Cepa were some retailers that were already using paper bags and other alternatives.