TARGET STORES TO ELIMINATE SINGLE USE PLASTIC BAGS – BRING YOUR OWN BAG IS THE NEW CHIC

It seems that the US is lagging behind most countries in the world when it comes to reducing or eliminating the unnecessary use of single use plastic bags.

China, Ireland, India, Bangladesh, Denmark, Canada, Belgium have all moved forward in this direction.  For more detailed information see “Trends from Around the World” at Reusable Bags.

Which brings me to one of my favorite stores.   Target, or as “those in the know” like to say …Tar JAY is a terrfic trendy consumer friendly store.  It’s hard not to like the retailer’s red & white logo and that cool dog mascot. But sadly they mimic chains acoss the country that contributre mightly to plastic pollution on a daily basis.

Now enter Target Australia.  Guess what … they are eliminating single usage plastic bags!

One retailer is setting its own nationwide ban. Target Australia, not affiliated with Target Corporation US, said it will no longer offer single use plastic bags at its 283 stores in Australia as of June 1 this year. The stores will only offer reusable bags, for $1, or compostable bags, for 10 cents. Profits will go a children’s charity, the Alannah and Madeline Foundation.

Target estimates it gives out 100 million bags a year, and South Australia expects its ban will eliminate 400 million bags a year. All of Australia uses about 4 billion plastic bags annually.

Now that you have read this, consider the following.

This announcement was made in May 2008!   So what’s our excuse for not following suit in the US? What, indeed!

Memo to the “suits” in Minneapolis, if Target Australia can accomplish this … what’s our excuse?  As an activist, consumer, and business woman who believes that there are realistic solutions to these environmental challenges  … you need to call me.    Green retailing is the future.  Will  you let your competitiors beat you to the punch?

Like  I said, ” Call me!”