At the beginning of August, New World stores starting charging customers 5c for plastic bags.  Since that time, the store has reported a marked decrease in the number of plastic bags being used by customers.  More importantly, the store notes that the customers were aware of the tax coming into effect and for the more part everyone seems to have accepted the tax without much fanf

"Campaigners in Dunedin collected enough plastic bags from shoppers in less than 5 hours to create a 70-metre long chain, as part of Saturday's 'Plastic Bags Aren't Free Day'.  Onlookers were just astounded by the chain,” said DSSCF co-organiser, Celia Neilson.

Stores in New Zealand recently began charging for plastic bags.  As a result, the major retailers are reporting shifts in the buying habits of their customers.  "At Victoria Park New World this week, several customers held their shopping in their hands, having declined to pay for a bag.

The Green Party in New Zealand wants the government to make it mandatory for retailers to charge for plastic bags.  It is great to see a national political party take a stance on plastic bags.

"Green Party co-leader Russel Norman says the companies are trying to do their bit for the environment and the Government needs to ensure others do the same.  Dr Norman says he's worrie