The National Retail Association has teamed up with the Queensland Government in an initiative to guide retailers through the state’s impending ban on single-use plastic shopping bags.
In support of the new legislation aimed at tackling shopping-bag litter, the NRA will launch an awareness campaign to inform the retail sector and consumers of the changes effective from July 1, 2018.
NRA CEO Dominique Lamb says the association supports the Government’s decision to implement the ban.
“The retail sector is ready to do its part in forging a cleaner, greener Queensland and supporting the Government’s plan to ban single-use shopping bags shows that we’re ready for action,” she said.
Ms Lamb says that by working with the Government, the NRA can ensure that retailers are fairly represented and any questions or concerns are addressed well ahead of the effective date of the ban.
“Our main aim is to now prepare retailers for the change to ensure the transitionary period is as easy for the sector as possible,” she said.
While retailers are the focus of the NRA campaign, Ms Lamb says raising awareness among consumers and educating them about the changes are equally important.
“We’re launching a website offering useful information and handy hints, including a list of single-use plastic-bag alternatives, to ensure both retailers and consumers are equally prepared for the transition,” she said.
The NRA will also host education workshops across the state as part of the awareness campaign to help retailers understand the ban, its importance and how they will likely be affected by it – as well as tips on how to discuss it with shoppers.