Business

Shoprite Customers Embraces Plastic Ban

Published

3 hours ago

Jan 12, 2025.

Shoprite has discontinued offering all single-use plastic items
Shoprite Ikeja is offering a Bagco super sack for purchase
Shoprite encourages customers to bring their own reusable bags when shopping

Customers at Shoprite’s various outlets in Lagos are adapting to the store’s recent decision to cease providing nylon bags, which took effect on January 1 in accordance with the Lagos State Government’s ban on single-use plastics.

Eko Hot Blog gathered that the new policy intends to minimize plastic waste and safeguard the environment.

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At the Ikeja City Mall Shoprite location, some customers with few items were observed carrying their purchases with their bare hands to their vehicles in the parking lot, while others used the store’s shopping carts to transport their goods directly to their car trunks without using nylon bags.

As part of the initiative, Shoprite has discontinued offering all single-use plastic items, such as plastic straws, cutlery, and Styrofoam packaging, as noted in a public notice displayed at the store.

The notice read, “In support of the Lagos State Government’s ban on single-use plastics, we will no longer provide the following items in our store: plastic straws, nylon bags, plastic cutleries, Styrofoam packs. Let’s reduce plastic waste and protect our environment.”

Shoprite Customers Embraces Plastic Ban

The retail giant has encouraged customers to bring their own reusable bags when shopping.

“You can help by bringing your reusable bags,” the notice further emphasized.

For those without reusable bags, Shoprite Ikeja is offering a Bagco super sack for purchase.

Customers are urged to take part in the effort to reduce plastic waste.

“Please, remember to bring your reusable bags,” the notice reminded shoppers.

This move aligns with the Lagos State Government’s directive mandating a reduction in single-use plastic consumption across the state.

A Shoprite cashier mentioned that government officials have been monitoring the store’s compliance through regular visits.

In January 2024, the Lagos State Government announced its intention to ban single-use plastics and sachet water starting from January 2025. This decision was made in response to the increasing prevalence of plastic waste and its detrimental impact on the environment in recent years.

Confirming the ban, Tokunbo Wahab, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, explained during a stakeholders’ workshop that the prohibition on single-use plastics (SUPs) and Styrofoam, set to begin in January 2025, is a critical component of the state government’s strategy to establish policy guidelines for plastic use.