The ban on single-use plastic bags implemented by Australia's two largest supermarkets has prevented 1.5 billion bags being introduced into the environment over the last three months.
Although the decision by Coles and Woolworths midway through this year was met with endless public backlash, it has translated to an 80% drop in the consumption of plastic bags nation-wide, according to the National Retail Association.
NRA’s David Stout said yesterday the ban was a brave move from major supermarkets, having paved the way for smaller businesses, who typically cannot afford to risk losing customers, to follow suit.