Our Environment

SAY 'NO' TO PLASTIC BAGS

In an effort to reduce plastic bags in our environment, River Fresh IGA has decided on some drastic action. From 9 February 2009, River Fresh IGA no longer supplies plastic shopping bags free of charge to our customers.

The first step that was taken was a survey of customer views on introducing a levy for plastic bags. It was an overwhelming 'yes' with over 85% of shoppers supporting the levy, with the majority also supporting 10 cents per plastic bag and the monies raised going to a charity. For full survey results please click here.

Now that River Fresh IGA had the support of our customers it was time to 'put an end to plastic bags!'.

During the first week of the bag levy 700 IGA green bags - 100 each day - were given away. In addition, for the first three months, River Fresh IGA encouraged the use of its green bags by donating five cents for each one sold. Cardboard boxes are also provided free for customers to use.

Now for the fantastic news. Before the plastic bag levy was introduced, River Fresh IGA was using on average 13,555 plastic shopping bags a week. Now less than 1000 plastic bags are being 'sold'!

Through the '10 cent charge' per plastic bag, the 5 cent donation from each green bag sold and customer donations, River Fresh IGA has donated the monies to the following charities.

Bravehearts $863.00
Wallcliffe Bush Fire Brigade $1,180.60
Margaret River Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service $723.00
St John Ambulance Margaret River $615.90

Even though it is River Fresh IGA's wish to one day be completely plastic bag free, it is our great pleasure to be able to help these local charities.

Through our initiative to reduce plastic bags and achieve better environmental outcomes for the community, River Fresh IGA won the Cape to Cape Catchment Groups Award 2009 in the business category.

Recycling

River Fresh IGA was the first supermarket in Western Australia to incorporate a recycling program.

In 2000 we trialled the recycling program. We recycled all of our cardboard, green waste, shredded paper and shopping bags. This was very successful and we were able to reduce plastic bag use through the store by 20% in that year.

River Fresh IGA won the 2000 South West and State 3R Awards for the efforts made in this program.

We have now expanded the recycling program with the assistance of the Leeuwin Lions Club and Visy

Through the Margaret River High School we recycle all of our shredded paper. They have a very good program in place to re-use the paper that we recycle.

Through the Leeuwin Lions Club we recycle our cardboard, paper, plastic bags, plastic wrap, bottles, jars etc.

We have a green waste bin at the rear of the store where locals are able to collect the off-cuts of our fruit and vegetable products and feed their animals.

At IGA we also encourage packing of all groceries into boxes. When you place an order through our on-line shopping service your orders will be packed into boxes.