Carrefour has joined other entities focussed on reducing the use of plastic bags within the United Arab Emirates by rewarding customers with five share points, redeemable at all Majid Al Futtaim brand locations, when they bring in their Carrefour reusable bags while shopping.
The offer, which started on International Plastic Bag Free Day, earlier this month, is available until 31 December 2020, is part of a regional focus to not only reduce plastic bag use within the retail sector, but get customers used to bringing in their reusable bags, by providing them with a reward for doing so.
Philippe Peguilhan, Country Manager of Carrefour UAE, stated that as many as 13 billion plastic bags are used in the United Arab Emirates each year, or 350 plastic bags every second and that it is imperative that we take whatever action we can to reduce the impacts of these plastic bags on the natural environment.
Natalie Banks, Founder of Azraq a local marine conservation organisation, stated that the issue with plastic bags was not just their impacts on the environment, but also the fact that recycling them is problematic.
"Less than 1% of all bags sent to recycling plants worldwide end up being considered suitable for recycling," Ms Banks said.
"Most bags end up in landfill and waterways for hundreds of years, leaching toxins into water supplies and blocking local drainage systems."
In 2014, The Environmental Agency Abu Dhabi reported that discarded plastic bags were believed to be the cause of 50% of camel deaths in the United Arab Emirates each year.
Azraq’s #mybagaintplastic campaign, which urges retailers to not only look at alternatives to plastic bags, but encourage their customers to bring reusable bags to their store, is estimated to run for 12-18 months in stages, the first stage just recently closed was a design competition for Azraq’s tote bags that will highlight the issue of plastic bags in the natural environment.
The second stage, which kicked off in June 2020 sees Azraq liaising with as many retail outlets as possible to get them to reconsider the use of plastic bags if they are using them, and/or to offer benefits to those bringing their reusable bags to their store. This campaign is not just aimed at sustainability-centric businesses like RETOLD, Lush Middle East and Thrift for Good which have already joined the campaign, but it aims to hold all retail outlets accountable and encourage all brands to make the necessary changes.
To find out more about the campaign head to https://azraqme.org/totesbetterthanplastic