Choose to Re–use

Our approach…

At ASDA, we want to make protecting the planet easier and more affordable for our 15 million customers. That’s why as a retailer, it’s our responsibility to encourage our customers to break the habit of a lifetime and start re–using their carrier bags instead.

We’ve been working closely with our partners to come up with a sustainable and affordable option that won’t see shoppers reprimanded by the fashion police.

Our people…

To help us on our way, we’ve teamed up with the Environment Agency, Hemingway Design and jute bag manufacturers Jutexpo to bring limited edition World Environment Day bags to ASDA stores across England and Wales.

The designer bags will hit ASDA stores on World Environment Day on the 5th June. Each store will have 100 of the jute bags, retailing at £2.96 — and half the profits from the sale of the bags will go to the International charity Water Aid, helping the world’s poorest people gain access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene education.

Wayne Hemingway of Hemingway Design said, “These bags show you can be stylish, and do your bit for the environment. Britons use an estimated 13 billion disposable bags each year, many of which go straight in the bin — that's an awful lot of rubbish that needn’t be there.”

Barrie Turner, Jutexpo’s founder and CEO commented: “We are delighted and very proud to have our bags chosen to help promote such an important date in the world’s calendar. Using a shopping bag over and over again is a simple but very effective way to contribute.”

Jackie Lynch, Deputy Head of Commercial Development at the Environment Agency, added, “Taking small steps like reusing your bags when you go to the supermarket help make a difference to the health of our planet. This World Environment Day, change your routine and see what you can do.”

Our future…

To help us reach the Courtauld’s voluntary commitment to reduce the environmental impact of plastic bags by 25% by the end of this year, all ASDA’s reusable bags are given prominent positions on the end of our checkouts. Our trial to remove all single use carrier bags from view is now complete and we’re already seeing the benefits. With single carrier bag usage down 20%, and reusable bag sales showing an 80% increase compared to this time last year, it looks like re–usable bags could be the new en vogue.

For more information please visit the Environment Agency’s website; www.standuptoclimatechange.org