(Photo: Woolworths)
Woolworths announced on Friday it will ban single-use plastic shopping bags in all its stores from July 1 next year.
Not to be outdone, Coles followed with a statement a few hours later that it, too, would begin phasing out plastic bags over the next 12 months.
Environment Minister Steven Miles praised Woolworths for the national leadership it had shown with the decision.
“This is a major step forward in the war on waste and I welcome this litter-busting move announced by Woolworths,” Mr Miles said.
“As the biggest retailer in the sector, this shows they are listening to customers and demonstrates that they take their environmental and community responsibilities seriously.
“It’s also the perfect time for shoppers to start thinking about how they can modify their behaviour and reduce their reliance on plastic bags.
“We need Queenslanders to get ready for the ban.
“We will continue education and awareness in lead up to July 1, 2018, including in partnership with the National Retail Association who are running workshops for retailers.”
