Southern Co-op has scrapped all single-use carrier bags and plastic bags-for-life from sale in its stores — in a bid to help tackle climate change.
Customers will instead be able to purchase compostable carrier bags for 10p — a more environmentally friendly choice, with the added bonus of being suitable to use as food waste caddy liners.
Gemma Lacey, Director for Sustainability and Communications at Southern Co-op, said:
"We have a duty to act against climate change and to give our customers a way to be more environmentally responsible. However, as our stores are based on convenience, we understand that people might not be carrying a bag with them, so the compostable bag is a more responsible alternative to plastic."
Plastic bags for life are being replaced by durable fold away bags and large shoppers with a current price of £1 to encourage customers to reuse them instead of treating them as single-use.
Southern Co-Operative stores on the Island can be found in Carisbrooke, Pan Estate, Rookley, Shanklin, Sandown, Mill Hill Road in Cowes and West Street in Ryde.