PARKnSHOP today signed an agreement with the Environmental Protection Department to voluntarily reduce its distribution of plastic bags by 15%, which is equivalent to about 40 million bags a year, within the period from 1 April 2006 to 31 March 2007 (as compared to the same period from 2004 to 2005).
'PARKnSHOP as a caring corporate citizen is committed to environmental protection. This agreement further illustrates our determination to do so', said Mr. Philippe Giard, Managing Director of PARKnSHOP Hong Kong.
Last month, PARKnSHOP has launched the, 'Say No to Plastic Bags' campaign featuring a new environmental mascot, 'Earth Baby'. This four-month campaign aims to encourage customers to bring their own bags for shopping by offering them gifts, discounts and other incentives. The signing of the agreement today has further strengthened the message to urge customers to join PARKnSHOP to reduce the number of bags they use.
To achieve the reduction target, PARKnSHOP begins with staff training. All staff will be comprehensively trained to enable them to be fully aware of different measures to reduce plastic bags. All cashiers will put plastic bag reduction badges on their uniform. Every customer will be asked if they bring their own shopping bag. Cashiers will pack as many items as possible into each bag used. They will proactively ask the customers if they agree to put products of the same category into the same bag, like all the fresh food or the ready-to-serve products, so as to minimize the number of bags used. Also, an internal incentive program has been introduced at the same time to help further motivate our staff to carry out the above measures.
We will keep reminding our customers to bring their own bags and use as few plastic bags as possible by putting reminders around all our stores like posters, checkout tent card and in-store radio broadcast. Environmental friendly bags will also be displayed prominently at checkout to encourage customers to buy and use them. The message will also be incorporated into press advertisement.
We will continue offering cash rebate for each plastic bag avoided and incentives for customers to use reusable shopping bags. To provide more convenience, PARKnSHOP will also encourage suppliers/packaging companies to incorporate carrying devices on their bulky item packs to preclude the need for a carrier bag.
At PARKnSHOP, we understand the key is to promote consumer behaviour change. Therefore, in addition to the above measures, we will collaborate with green groups or the Environmental Campaign Committee (ECC) to do public publicity and education programs.
'We are very pleased that PARKnSHOP has signed the voluntary agreement with us,' the Permanent Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works (Environment), Mr. K K Kwok, said after signing the agreement.
'Through PARKnSHOP's retail network and its staff, the agreement will certainly encourage more and more consumers to say no to plastic bags, and help build a better living environment for all,' Mr. Kwok said.
