WE’RE counting down to a new way of shopping in Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest with our major retailers about to stop handing out free single use plastic bags.

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Both Coles in Tea Gardens and IGA in Hawks Nest are introducing the initiative as of Sunday 1 July.

“Customers are encouraged to bring along their own reusable bags or use a number of alternatives available at our store,” Karen Marples from IGA said.

“Alternative options include boxes for free or a wide range of reusable IGA bags which are available for purchase.”

Peter Trappel, co-owner of Lovey’s IGA in Hawks Nest said, “The change to sustainable options for shopping bags is an important step for our environment.”

“We’re committed to protecting the environment, that’s why we’re eliminating single-use plastic bags by 30 June,” said Mr Trappel.

“The decision to go plastic bag free was an easy one to make,” Peter said.

“We listened to our shoppers and they have told us they want to be more environmentally conscious when shopping, particularly here in Hawks Nest with such an amazing coastline at our doorstep.”

“Research shows that by 2050, plastic rubbish will outweigh fish in the oceans unless we all do what we can to reduce, reuse and recycle.”

Helping shoppers to go plastic free will be the members of the Boomerang Bags Group who are holding a celebratory event outside the IGA on Saturday 30 June between 10am and Midday.

The group also gathered last Saturday to farewell outgoing Co-Ordinator Brooke Feltis and welcome Julie Sims to the position.

“It is with sadness that I am stepping away from the co-ordinators role with Boomerang Bags TGHN,” Brooke said.

“I will be focusing on spending time with my young family and even indulging in some travel and adventure.”

Brooke added, “Rest assured our Boomerang Bags initiative will be in very safe and capable hand with Julie taking the coordinators role on solo.”

By Margie TIERNEY