Green savings already in the bag

Our approach…

Every year UK shoppers use an incredible 13 billion plastic bags – and we use each for an average of just 12 minutes before throwing them away.

At ASDA, we realise that producing these plastic carrier bags not only adds to our carbon footprint – as individuals and as a company – but also that many of the bags end up polluting our local environment.

That’s why, as part of the Courtauld Commitment, we’ve pledged to cut the environmental impact of plastic bags we give away by 25%.

Our people…

Our dedicated carrier bag team has been working with customers to break this habit of a lifetime, as Customer Service Projects Manager Paul Hedley explains: ‘Over the last few years, our customers have told us they want us to act, and make it easy for them to act, on issues like packaging waste and plastic bags.’

‘So since 2006, we’ve been working on a plan that will help us exceed our target, without penalising our customers for their good intentions.’

Following a series of successful trials, and some great customer feedback, we are now moving free plastic carrier bags from the dispensers at checkouts around the country, and placing them under the counter.

Our range of reusable bags will then be given a prominent display, empowering customers to make a difference in their shopping habits. ‘I believe our colleagues are crucial to the success of this scheme’ adds Paul. ‘We are asking those working at the point of sale to explain the options and encourage customers to reuse the new bags. These are sold at cost price, so no one has to choose between affordability and sustainability.’

Our future…

By providing free carrier bags on request, and rewarding customers who reuse them with our extended Go Green for Schools scheme, Paul and his team are confident they can make a positive impact on shopping habits.

‘It’s about engaging people – making them stop and think about this habit we have all acquired’ enthuses Paul. ‘From the moment they begin their shopping, customers are reminded that switching to reusable bags is a simple change that everyone can make to help protect the environment we all share. You could say we’re saving the planet, one bag at a time.’